Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 546 Promotion, Awakening, Hongyu's Misfortune
Fu Jiajing's room.

Fu Yongjing suddenly coughed violently, spitting out a blood clot shrouded in black mist. The blood clot ignited upon hitting the ground, turning into grayish-white ash.

Fu Changsheng's fingertips swirled with chaotic energy as he gently pressed them against his son's back: "The curse has been removed, but his meridians are damaged and need recuperation."

at the same time.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
"Ding"

"You have successfully killed a Golden Core cultivator from the far west, gaining 10,000 family contribution points."

After seeing that Yongjing was unharmed, Fu Changsheng, Meizhen, and Yongrui moved to the council hall.

The array within the hall flowed, blocking outside prying eyes; only the flickering candlelight illuminated the solemn faces of the three.

With a flick of his sleeve, Fu Yongrui sent a jet-black image-recording pod hovering above the table. As he channeled spiritual energy into it, the runes on the pod's surface began to flash. In an instant, a screen of light unfolded, displaying an image of the underground blood pool at Crimson Sand Ridge—the crimson water churned, and hundreds of corpses floated and sank, among which were the clothes of a former elder of the Lei family!

“Father, Mother, it is an indisputable fact that the Lei family is colluding with the Yin Puppet Sect.” Fu Yongrui’s voice was cold. “The Blood-Feeding Spirit Fusion Array, the Corpse Control Talisman, and those corpse puppets are all methods of the Yin Puppet Sect.

Liu Meizhen's eyes flickered slightly. She tapped the table lightly with her fingertips and pondered, "To outsiders, this matter seems strange. If the Lei family really colluded with the Yin Kui Sect, why would there be corpses of Lei family members in the blood pool? If they were truly in cahoots, why would they harm their own people?"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "What you say makes sense, Madam. If the Lei family wants to defend themselves, they can simply claim that these corpses were killed by the Yin Kui Sect, and that they have become the 'victims'."

Fu Yongrui frowned: "But they secretly mobilized cultivators to set up a blood pool at Crimson Sand Ridge, so they are definitely not innocent."

“Of course they are not innocent.” Fu Changsheng sneered, “But the evidence alone is not enough to convict them. The laws of the Great Zhou are strict, and without concrete evidence, the court will not easily take action against a sixth-rank aristocratic family.”

Liu Meizhen's eyes flickered as she slowly said, "Besides, we've already alerted them. The Yin Kui Sect must have already erased all traces, and the Lei family will certainly destroy the evidence as well."

Fu Changsheng nodded, his eyes calm and deep: "That's right, this matter cannot be rushed." He looked at Fu Yongrui and said in a deep voice: "Yongrui, you arrange for the disciples of the Dark Hall to secretly keep a close eye on the Lei family's every move, especially their dealings with the Seventh Prince's Mansion."

Fu Yongrui clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Yes, Father."

Fu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep: "Once I am promoted to Imperial Patrol Officer, I will have the authority to thoroughly investigate this matter. At that time, neither the Lei family nor the Yin Puppet Sect, nor the Seven Princes' Mansion will escape punishment."

Liu Meizhen raised the corners of her lips slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes: "My husband is about to be promoted. If the Lei family dares to make any rash moves, they will be courting their own destruction."

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily, his heroic spirit rising: "Madam is right! If the Lei family knows what's good for them, they should keep a low profile. If they don't..." A cold glint flashed in his eyes, "then we have every right to repay Ningning for the suffering and injustice she endured!"

A hint of fighting spirit flashed in Fu Yongrui's eyes as he whispered, "Father, rest assured, the Dark Hall will not let you down."

Liu Meizhen nodded gently and said softly, "Yongrui, your injuries have just healed, so don't overexert yourself."

Fu Yongrui's expression softened slightly, revealing a rare gentleness: "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am fine."

Fu Changsheng patted his shoulder and laughed, "Go ahead. Remember, the Fu family is now the number one family in Wuzhou. You don't need to be timid in your actions, but you must seek victory through stability."

Fu Yongrui nodded solemnly, turned and left, his back view sharp as a knife, his edge concealed.

After he left, Liu Meizhen sighed softly, "Husband, the Lei family's affairs are probably far-reaching."

Fu Changsheng's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "The Seventh Prince, the Yin Puppet Sect, the Lei family... these people are secretly colluding, and their schemes must be quite grand." He gripped Liu Meizhen's hand tightly and said in a deep voice, "However, we will meet force with force and water with water. The Fu family is no longer a small family that can be easily manipulated."

With a flick of his sleeve, Fu Changsheng released an ancient jade slip, its surface shrouded in spiritual patterns, exuding an aura of antiquity.

"Madam, take a look at this."

Liu Meizhen's eyes flickered slightly as she took the jade slip. A quick scan with her divine sense revealed a startled expression: "The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill? This...this is an ancient pill formula!"

She looked up at Fu Changsheng, her eyes filled with astonishment: "This pill can repair the soul and rebuild the foundation. If this pill is refined, Ningning and Molan's injuries can be saved!"

Fu Changsheng's smile deepened, and he took out three more spiritual herbs—a Soul Nourishing Flower with petals like a ghostly mist, a Three Lives Grass with three overlapping leaves, and a Nine Netherworld Orchid with a dark blue body and pistils like ghostly fire.

"The main medicine is here. Is there anything else you need, Madam?"

Liu Meizhen's breath hitched slightly as she gently stroked the medicinal herbs, her fingertips trembling slightly: "Soul Nourishing Flower, Three Lives Grass, Nine Netherworld Orchid... These medicinal herbs are hard to find even in the Great Zhou Imperial City. My husband is truly skilled."

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily.

Liu Meizhen's eyes were filled with tenderness and admiration, but she quickly regained her composure and pondered, "This pill is extremely difficult to refine. It requires the use of chaotic energy to harmonize the medicinal properties. Although I am confident, the success rate would be even higher if someone skilled in alchemy could assist me."

Fu Changsheng nodded: "I have already sent a message to Yong'an. He has been studying this elixir formula for many years and can lend a helping hand to you, Madam."

As the candlelight flickered, Fu Changsheng waved his sleeve again, and a spiritual herb, its entire body as black as ink, appeared out of thin air. The moment it appeared, the temperature in the entire council hall plummeted, and a thin layer of frost formed on the floor.

"This is..." Liu Meizhen's beautiful eyes slightly opened, and she gently raised her slender hand to catch the floating spiritual herb. The spiritual herb was as black as ink, with naturally formed silver runes flowing endlessly on its petals, emitting an astonishingly cold aura.

"A three-thousand-year-old Ink Snow Lingzhi?" Her fingertips lightly touched the runes on the petals, her voice tinged with surprise. "This thing grows beneath the extreme northern ice, taking a thousand years to form and three thousand years to reveal its Dao patterns. It is the main ingredient for refining the 'Mysterious Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill.'"

Fu Changsheng nodded with a smile: "Madam has keen insight. My cultivation has reached the peak of the early Golden Core stage, and I need this pill to break through my bottleneck."

Liu Meizhen carefully examined the natural Dao patterns on the Ganoderma lucidum, lost in thought: "This Ganoderma lucidum is of extremely high quality. If it is supplemented with the remaining ingredients of the Nine Netherworld Orchid, its medicinal efficacy will increase by at least 30% after it is made into a pill." She looked up at Fu Changsheng, a sly glint in her eyes, "Is my husband going to use me as a laborer?"

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily, reaching out to grasp her soft hand: "The capable should do more. Besides, isn't my improved cultivation also adding another layer of security for the Fu family?"

"Glib-tongued." Liu Meizhen scoffed, but had already taken out a cold jade box and put away the Ganoderma lucidum. "However, this pill is indeed worth refining. The Seven Princes are eyeing it covetously. The sooner my husband breaks through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, the better our Fu family's chances of victory will be."

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something and tapped the table lightly with her fingertips: "Perfect timing. When Yong'an assists me in refining the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, I can let him familiarize himself with the refining techniques of the Profound Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill beforehand. This child has exceptional talent in alchemy; once he breaks through to the Golden Core stage, his alchemy skills will likely far surpass mine."

Fu Changsheng gently held Liu Meizhen's hand, stroking the back of her hand twice with his fingertips, as if he was carefully considering his words.

“Madam, there is one more thing.” He paused, his voice lowering slightly, “Wu Ling’er and I have already consummated our marriage.”

Liu Meizhen's fingertips trembled slightly, but her expression remained calm. She looked up at Fu Changsheng, her eyes questioning.

Fu Changsheng took a deep breath: "She is pregnant with my child." After saying this, he clearly felt the soft hand in his palm stiffen slightly, but Liu Meizhen quickly relaxed again.

"That lawless place, the Xuanwu Dead Zone, if I hadn't cultivated with her and borrowed the spiritual energy within her, I would still be unable to escape," Fu Changsheng said sincerely. "Although this matter was somewhat sudden, she saved my life."

The council chamber fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional soft crackling of the candlelight.

Liu Meizhen remained silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled, "Husband, how many is this now?" Her tone was teasing, but there was no anger in her voice.

Seeing her reaction, Fu Changsheng felt somewhat relieved and smiled, "Does Madam agree?"

"If I don't agree, are you going to stop her from coming in?" Liu Meizhen glanced at him sideways, then sighed. "Ever since Qingru entered the family, I've come to terms with it. The Fu family is growing stronger and stronger, and having many descendants is a good thing. Besides..."

She paused, a shrewd glint in her eyes: "Wu Ling'er comes from the Southern Border Wu Clan and possesses a spiritual body. If she joins the family, she will be a great help to the Fu family."

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Madam is indeed a woman of great wisdom and understanding!"

Liu Meizhen suddenly became serious and said, "However, the proper rules cannot be omitted. After she enters the family, she must abide by the Fu family's etiquette and must not become arrogant because of her favor."

“Of course,” Fu Changsheng nodded. “Ling’er is gentle and kind; she won’t cause Madam any trouble.”

Liu Meizhen gave a soft hum: "I hope so." She stood up, straightened her sleeves, and said, "I will arrange this matter properly. You should focus on preparing for your breakthrough. It's not too late to formally welcome her into your family after you've advanced to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm."

A flicker of emotion crossed Fu Changsheng's eyes. He rose and embraced his wife, saying, "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"

Liu Meizhen leaned against his chest, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Don't give me that." Despite her words, she didn't push him away.

……

Huizhou Prefecture - Alchemy Pavilion

Inside the alchemy pavilion, nine bronze alchemy furnaces were arranged in a nine-palace formation, their ancient runes shimmering with a mysterious light under the illumination of the spiritual fire. Liu Meizhen, dressed in a plain white alchemy robe, stood before the main furnace, her fingertips swirling with chaotic energy as she adjusted the furnace's temperature.

Outside.

A tall and straight figure stepped into the alchemy room.

Fu Yong'an was dressed in a blue robe with a medicine pouch hanging at his waist, and his brows exuded a calm and composed air.

“Mother.” He bowed respectfully, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding alchemy furnaces, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. “The Nine Palaces Heaven-Refining Array? It seems Mother is determined to succeed in this alchemy attempt.”

Liu Meizhen turned and smiled, "Yong'an is here. This time, refining the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill will require your strong support." She lightly tapped her finger, and a jade slip flew towards Fu Yong'an. "This is the final adjustment to the pill formula; take a look."

Fu Yong'an took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and the [Dan Fusion of Myriad Phenomena] seed within his body immediately sensed it, forming a faint halo around him. He closed his eyes for a moment, then suddenly opened them: "Brilliant! Using the Three Lives Grass as a guide and the Nine Netherworld Orchid as a medium, this modification will allow the medicinal properties to fuse even more perfectly."

"You understand immediately." Liu Meizhen nodded in satisfaction. "Your talent for alchemy is indeed extraordinary."

Without another word, the two took their places. Liu Meizhen, with her keen intuition, channeled seven different types of spiritual energy from her fingertips, precisely controlling the heat of the nine alchemy furnaces. Fu Yong'an, meanwhile, took out a specially made pestle and began grinding the auxiliary materials. His technique was skillful, and every bit of force was just right.

"Put the Three-Life Grass into the furnace!" Liu Meizhen shouted softly.

Fu Yong'an immediately put the ground medicinal powder into the main furnace, while simultaneously forming a hand seal with his right hand, channeling a stream of azure spiritual energy into it. The moment the powder entered the furnace, a clear and melodious phoenix cry resounded within.

"Good!" A glint flashed in Liu Meizhen's eyes. "Next is the Soul-Nourishing Flower. Be careful to reduce the heat to thirty percent."

Fu Yong'an nodded, and the light of the Dharma Seed within his body shone brightly, actually condensing into a phantom blue lotus above the alchemy furnace, which slowly rotated, regulating the temperature inside the furnace.

The two worked together seamlessly, as if they were telepathically connected. At times, Liu Meizhen took the lead while Fu Yong'an assisted; at other times, Fu Yong'an took the lead while Liu Meizhen provided support. The medicinal liquids in the nine alchemy furnaces gradually blended, emitting a refreshing and delightful fragrance.

Months passed, and the spiritual energy within the Pill Pavilion had become so dense that it formed mist. Suddenly, the main furnace trembled violently, and a golden light shot into the sky, piercing directly through the roof of the Pill Pavilion!
"The calamity of pills is imminent!" Liu Meizhen's expression hardened, and seven array flags flew out from her sleeve, instantly setting up a protective array.

Almost simultaneously, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and flashes of lightning appeared. A bolt of purple lightning, as thick as a bucket, struck straight down!

"Well done!" Liu Meizhen exclaimed, and the chaotic energy transformed into a vortex, actually swallowing the lightning! Her figure was as graceful as a startled swan, taking seven steps in the air above the Pill Pavilion, leaving behind a chaotic rune with each step, forming a profound array.

Fu Yong'an wasn't idle either. He formed hand seals and circulated his internal energy to create layers of protection around the alchemy furnace. At the same time, he continued to adjust the heat to ensure the elixir would perfectly form during the tribulation.

"Second round!" Fu Yong'an called out loudly.

Another bolt of lightning struck, even more ferocious than before. Liu Meizhen remained calm and summoned an ancient bronze mirror—the very same broken lightning-repelling mirror that Fu Changsheng had given her! The mirror's surface shimmered with a blue light, refracting the lightning in all directions.

There were four lightning tribulations, each more ferocious than the last.

However, compared to Liu Meizhen's Core Formation Tribulation, it was just a piece of cake.

Liu Meizhen activated her Seven Apertures Exquisite Mind to its fullest extent, and seven-colored rays of light appeared around her. The lightning struck, but was dissolved layer by layer by the light, eventually transforming into pure energy that nourished the alchemy furnace.

Rumble!
When the final lightning bolt struck, the entire Pill Pavilion trembled.

Liu Meizhen's long hair flew wildly as she held up the sky with both hands, creating a huge vortex of chaotic energy that swallowed all the lightning!
The thunderclouds dispersed, and golden light shone brightly inside the Dan Pavilion.

hum!
The alchemy furnace is opened.

Three golden pills floated out.

"The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is complete!" Fu Yong'an couldn't hide his excitement.

Liu Meizhen landed gracefully, her face slightly pale, but her eyes were full of joy: "All three were successful, and all of superior quality." She looked at Fu Yong'an and said with relief, "Thanks to your help."

Fu Yong'an smiled modestly: "Mother, you flatter me. If it weren't for your resistance to the alchemical tribulation, even the best elixir would have been difficult to make."

……

Fu Family Council Hall

Fu Changsheng was discussing important matters with several clan elders when he suddenly sensed the fluctuations of a pill tribulation emanating from the direction of the Pill Pavilion. A slight smile played on his lips as he waved his hand to interrupt the discussion: "Please wait a moment, everyone. It seems the Madam has completed her pill refining."

Not long after.

Liu Meizhen gracefully entered the hall, her delicate hand gently holding a cold jade pill box. Runes flowed on the box, and a faint golden light emanated from it.

"My lord, please look." Liu Meizhen smiled and opened the pill box. Three golden pills lay quietly inside, their surfaces adorned with flowing Dao patterns, emanating an aura that calmed the mind.

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly: "Three pills made in one go?" He took the pill box and examined it carefully, unable to help but exclaim in admiration: "Madam's alchemy skills are truly divine."

Liu Meizhen smiled slightly, "This time, we owe a great deal to Yong'an's help. That child's talent for alchemy is truly extraordinary; his grasp of the medicinal properties is extremely precise." As she spoke, she took out another jade box, "The materials for the Profound Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill are also ready; we can start the furnace on a chosen day."

Fu Changsheng carefully put away the pill box and said gently, "Thank you for your hard work, Madam." He lightly tapped the jade talisman on the table with his fingertip, "Someone, please ask Mo Lan to come here."

A short while later, Fu Molan, dressed in black, entered the hall. She stood tall and straight like a pine tree, her brows furrowed with determination. Upon seeing Fu Changsheng, she bowed respectfully: "Patriarch."

Fu Changsheng gestured for her to stand up and took out a Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill: "This pill can help you repair hidden injuries to your soul and rebuild your foundation."

Fu Molan's breath hitched, and a ripple of emotion flickered in her usually calm eyes. Her hands trembled slightly as she accepted the pill, her voice strained, "Molan...I dare not accept such a gift."

Fu Changsheng shook his head, "You've risked your life for the Fu family since its humble beginnings, what are these pills compared to that?" He then took out a jade bottle, "This is the last Nine-Herb Pill in the clan, it can help you break through to the Golden Core stage in one fell swoop."

Fu Molan looked up abruptly, a flash of shock in her eyes. Her lips pressed tightly together, she suddenly knelt on one knee: "The patriarch's great kindness will be forever etched in Molan's heart. I will go through fire and water for you without hesitation!"

Fu Changsheng quickly helped her up: "There's no need for that. You already have the foundation that Granny Yinhua has nurtured for you, and a breakthrough is imminent. This pill is merely icing on the cake."

Fu Molan carefully put away the pills: "Patriarch, rest assured, Molan will certainly live up to your expectations."

Once Mo Lan forms her Golden Core, including Chang Lei, himself, Yao Yao, Uncle Fei, Mei Zhen, and the Fu family, there will be six Golden Core cultivators.

If we can rescue Rongge'er from the secret realm.

That makes seven.

I've taken another step closer to advancing to the fifth-grade Golden Core stage.

……

After Fu Molan left, Fu Changsheng and Liu Meizhen spent a brief moment of tender time together. Liu Meizhen then returned to the alchemy room to prepare for refining the Profound Origin Barrier-Breaking Pill.

Fu Changsheng then turned and walked towards Ningning's courtyard.

A spell was cast onto the magic array.

A moment later, the courtyard gate slowly opened, and Yu Qingru appeared in a light blue dress, her brows revealing a resolute expression.

"My lord," she called softly, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes, "has the elixir been successfully refined?"

Obviously.

She also witnessed the strange phenomenon of the elixir calamity.

Fu Changsheng nodded and took out the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, which shimmered with golden light: "Not only was it successfully refined, but it's also of superior quality."

Yu Qingru's fingers trembled slightly, and her eyes were already red as she accepted the pill. Ningning was her only daughter, and also the eternal pain in her heart. Back then, Ningning was deceived by Zhou Xuanming and suffered endless torment in the Prince's mansion, and she, as her mother, was powerless to help.
"Ningning's injury is finally healing."

As the two entered the courtyard, the scene before them made Fu Changsheng raise an eyebrow slightly.

On a small hill made of various spiritual waste materials, a wooden flying squirrel hovered in mid-air, its body radiating a pale green aura. With a single opening of its small mouth, the residual spiritual energy from the waste materials was extracted, refined within its body, and transformed into pure spiritual power to nourish Ningning, who was meditating nearby.

"This little guy," Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed with approval, "has already reached the near-fourth level."

Yu Qingru said softly, "Since Ningning's condition improved, it has cultivated even more diligently. Now Ningning has also broken through to the Purple Mansion stage, and the master and pet complement each other perfectly."

As they were talking, Ningning seemed to sense something and slowly opened her eyes. Upon seeing Fu Changsheng, she immediately smiled, a smile as pure as the rising sun: "Father! Mother!"

Fu Changsheng felt a warmth in his heart: "Ningning's cultivation has improved again."

Ningning nodded with a smile, and the wooden flying squirrel happily flew to her shoulder, affectionately rubbing against her cheek.

This heartwarming scene brought tears to Yu Qingru's eyes—she so wished her daughter could always be so carefree.

"Ningning," Fu Changsheng said gently, taking out a pill. "This is a pill that your father specially obtained for you. After taking it, your injuries will be completely healed."

"Thank you, Father!" Ningning curiously took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation.

Yu Qingru nervously clenched her sleeves, knowing that the moment her daughter's memories returned, the innocence in her eyes might vanish.

"Ningning, just bear with it."

Fu Changsheng sat cross-legged behind Ningning, his hands gently pressing on her back. Chaotic energy slowly flowed into her, helping her refine the medicinal power. As the pill entered her stomach, golden light emanated from the pores of Ningning's body, and a faint golden line gradually appeared on her forehead.

Suddenly, Ningning's body began to tremble violently!
"Ah—!" A heart-wrenching scream shattered the tranquility of the courtyard. The wooden flying squirrel frantically circled its owner, squeaking anxiously.

Memories flooded back like a tide—Zhou Xuanming's deception, the darkness of the dungeon in the Prince's mansion, those days and nights of unbearable suffering. Ningning wept bitterly, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls.

Yu Qingru felt as if her heart was being torn apart. Just as she was about to step forward, Fu Changsheng grabbed her arm.

"She has to face this pain herself."

Yu Qingru bit her lower lip until it bled, the salty taste of blood spreading in her mouth. If she could, she would gladly bear all of this for her daughter, but her husband was right—Ningning had to overcome this hurdle herself.

After a long time.

Ningning raised her head, and her once pure and innocent eyes were now filled with pain and sorrow.

"Father, Mother, I...I remember everything."

The wooden flying squirrel leaped into her arms, its tiny paws gripping her clothes tightly. Ningning gently stroked its fur, tears welling up again: "So... I've forgotten so much."

Fu Changsheng stepped forward and embraced his daughter, his voice firm as iron: "Remember, from this day forward, no one can harm you in the slightest. All that pain, all that hatred, will become a part of your Dao heart."

Yu Qingru hugged her daughter tightly, choking back tears, and said, "Ningning, Mother will never let you be bullied again."

Ningning said softly, "Father, Mother, you did nothing wrong. It's just that you were too foolish back then." She raised her head, her eyes still filled with pain, but now with a new resolve. "However, since fate has allowed me to live and to remember all of this, I will make those people pay the price!"

Fu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction; this was indeed his daughter.

As Fu Changsheng was talking to Ningning, the Zhenshi Division jade pendant hanging at his waist suddenly lit up with a dazzling golden light. He raised an eyebrow, took off the jade pendant, and saw a line of small characters appear on it:
"The imperial edict has arrived. Quickly proceed to the Zhenshi Division to receive your investiture. —Master Xuanyang"

"Husband?" Yu Qingru noticed his unusual behavior and asked softly.

Fu Changsheng put away the jade token, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "The imperial decree promoting me to Patrol Envoy has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Ningning, forgetting her sadness, looked up in surprise: "Daddy's going to be a patrol angel?"

"That's right." Fu Changsheng gently ruffled his daughter's hair and said softly, "Once I become an Imperial Inspector, I can rightfully investigate the Lei family and the Seventh Prince, and seek justice for you."

Tears welled in Yu Qingru's eyes, but she quickly regained her resolve: "Husband, go quickly. I'll take care of things at home."

...

...

Amidst the vast, chaotic sea of ​​stars, there is no boat or oar for thousands of miles.

A small jade boat glided through the waves. Shangguan Hongyu, dressed in red, stood at the bow. The sea breeze ruffled her long hair, highlighting her snow-white skin and exquisite features. Beside her, a six- or seven-year-old girl stood on tiptoe, curiously looking around.

"Auntie, will we really be able to see the outside world?" Xianyu looked up at her with her eyes full of anticipation.

Shangguan Hongyu smiled slightly and ruffled her hair: "Of course, since your father promised to let us travel, he certainly wouldn't lie to you."

Xianyu cheered, gripping the edge of the boat with her little hands, gazing excitedly at the surging waves in the distance, and asked, "Auntie, what's that?"

Shangguan Hongyu looked in the direction she pointed and saw a seven-colored ray of light descending from the distant sky, illuminating a faintly visible island.

"Auntie, hurry, let's go take a look. Maybe this is the rare treasure you've been telling me about."

Xianyu was impatient.

If it truly were a rare treasure appearing in the world, the two of them wouldn't gain any advantage given their cultivation levels. Shangguan Hongyu initially didn't want to go, but she couldn't resist Xianyu's pitiful look and nodded, saying:

"We can go, but if there are high-level combatants nearby, we must retreat immediately."

"Yes, yes, Xianyu will listen to Auntie."

Shangguan Hongyu then turned the small jade boat around and sped off towards the direction of the morning glow.

……

The small boat broke through the thick fog.

Suddenly, a vast island came into view.

The island was rich in spiritual energy, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and exotic flowers and herbs everywhere. Xianyu skipped and hopped ahead, occasionally squatting down to touch the spiritual herbs on the ground, or looking up at the spiritual birds flying by, her face full of curiosity.

"Auntie! This place is so beautiful!"

Shangguan Hongyu, however, looked grave and said in a low voice, "Xianyu, let's just take a look from afar. The spiritual energy on this island is so abundant; I'm afraid a high-level sea monster is lurking there."

The voice just fell.

A golden light flashed across the island, revealing a ginseng plant that was entirely crystal clear, with roots like dragons and nine orifices on its head, exhaling spiritual mist.

"Nine-Aperture Spirit Ginseng?!" Shangguan Hongyu's pupils contracted slightly, and her heart pounded wildly.

This item is a rare treasure of heaven and earth. If she can refine it, she will surely be able to break through the bottleneck of her pseudo-core realm, which has been stagnant for many years, and break through to the golden core in one fell swoop!
"Aunt, do you want that spirit ginseng?" Upon hearing this, Xianyu immediately lightly touched the small boat with her toes and flew into the island.

"Immortal Jade!"

Upon seeing this, Shangguan Hongyu quickly urged the jade boat to dock.

The island was so rich in spiritual energy that it almost turned into mist, and exotic flowers and rare herbs grew everywhere. Xianyu, like a bird just released from its cage, ran around among the flowers, occasionally exclaiming in amazement.

"Auntie, look! This flower glows!"

Wow! This stone is colorful!

"Shh, keep the noise down, Immortal Jade." Shangguan Hongyu scanned left and right with her vigilant divine sense, and only breathed a slight sigh of relief when she saw that there was no high-level aura left.

Now that we're on the island...

That [Nine-Aperture Spirit Ginseng] must be picked.

Her gaze, however, remained fixed on the faint golden light. The spirit of that Nine-Aperture Spirit Ginseng was incredibly cunning; it vanished every time she tried to get close.

"This is not a solution."

"Xianyu, come here," Shangguan Hongyu said. "I remember your father gave you a Moon Essence Fruit, didn't he?"

Xianyu nodded.

The best of the Nine Apertures Ginseng is this.

Shangguan Hongyu explained:
"Immortal Jade, would you be willing to use the 'Moonlight Spirit Fruit' as bait?"

After hearing Shangguan Hongyu's plan, Xianyu clapped her hands excitedly: "Great! Great! Xianyu will help!"

With a light tap of her fingertip, Shangguan Hongyu sent a hidden tracking rune silently merging into the spirit fruit. She then took out several small flags and set up a concealment array around it.

"We're well hidden." Hongyu pulled Xianyu to hide behind a tree not far away.

Before long, the golden light reappeared. A tiny ginseng spirit, no bigger than a palm, crept stealthily towards the spirit fruit. It had nine orifices on its head, and its entire body was golden, resembling a chubby baby.

“They’re here.” Hongyu held her breath.

The little ginseng spirit cautiously looked around, then suddenly grabbed the spirit fruit and "whoosh," disappeared into the ground.

"Chase!" Shangguan Hongyu grabbed Xianyu and sped off following the tracking talisman.

After passing through the dense forest, the two arrived at a hidden cave. The entrance was concealed by vines, and it would have been impossible to find without the guidance of a tracking talisman.

"This is it." Shangguan Hongyu lowered her voice. "Xianyu, when your aunt goes in to gather spirit ginseng, you stay outside and keep watch."

Xianyu nodded earnestly, her little face tense: "Xianyu will protect Auntie!"

Shangguan Hongyu smiled and pinched her cheek, then stopped smiling and silently slipped into the cave.

Inside the cave was a hidden paradise. A golden-yellow Nine-Aperture Spirit Ginseng was rooted in the center of the spiritual spring, its nine orifices exhaling spiritual mist—a breathtaking sight. Beside it stood the stolen Moon Essence Spirit Fruit.

Hongyu dared not be careless. With a flick of her finger, twelve array flags flew out silently, instantly setting up the "Spirit Locking Array".

"Stop!" she shouted softly, and the great formation was activated. The spirit ginseng was immediately imprisoned in place and could no longer move an inch.

Just as Hongyu was about to pick the ginseng, a furious roar suddenly came from outside the cave: "Who dares to touch my spiritual ginseng?!"

Immediately following was Xianyu's sharp rebuke: "Don't you dare hurt my aunt!"

Shangguan Hongyu's expression changed drastically. Without thinking twice, she uprooted the ginseng. At the same time, the cave entrance exploded, and a huge sea monster rushed in.

"You're asking for death!" The siren's eyes turned bloodshot as she lunged forward, brandishing her fork-like claws.

"Xianyu, step back!" Shangguan Hongyu was about to fight when she saw a petite figure rush forward even faster than her.

"Auntie, quickly gather the spirit ginseng! Use the immortal jade to deal with it!"

The usually innocent and carefree Xianyu was now completely different. A pale blue aura emanated from her body, and her small hands formed a seal, causing a water dragon to appear out of thin air and roar as it crashed into the sea monster.

"A mere early-stage Golden Core cultivator dares to be so arrogant!" The sea monster scoffed, shattering the water dragon with a claw strike. But then, Xianyu flashed and circled behind it.

"Mysterious Water Bind!" Xian Yu shouted, and countless water chains shot out from the ground, temporarily trapping the sea monster.

Taking advantage of the moment, Shangguan Hongyu put the spiritual ginseng into a specially made jade box. Turning her head, she saw the scene of Xianyu fighting fiercely with the sea monster and couldn't help but be secretly surprised. This little girl usually looks innocent and naive, but she is so fierce when she fights.

The sea monster, being at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, quickly broke free of its restraints. It roared, its demonic power surging, causing the surrounding rock walls to crack.

"Little brat, prepare to die!"

In the critical moment, Xianyu suddenly transformed into a giant black tortoise, and withstood the attack.

"Xianyu!" Shangguan Hongyu cried out with heartache.

"Auntie, come up quickly!" the black tortoise, transformed from the immortal jade, spoke in human language. "Let's go!"

Shangguan Hongyu leaped onto the turtle's back. With a powerful push from its four legs, Xianyu shot out of the cave like an arrow and plunged into the sea.

The waves surged, and the Xuan Turtle, transformed from the Immortal Jade, carried Shangguan Hongyu as they raced through the raging torrents. Behind them, a colossal sea monster relentlessly pursued them, now fully revealing its true form: a "Azure Scaled Flood Shark," over ten zhang long, its entire body covered in emerald green scales, its dorsal fin like a knife, its fangs menacing, and its pair of scarlet vertical pupils burning with fury.

"Don't you dare run away, you little thief!" the Azure Scaled Shark roared, spewing out a jet of dark green poisonous mist. Wherever the mist passed, the seawater boiled, and the fish instantly turned into skeletons.

"Xianyu, be careful!" Shangguan Hongyu hurriedly made a hand seal, and a crimson barrier rose from the turtle's back, blocking the poisonous mist outside.

The Jade Tortoise raised its head slightly and let out a clear, melodious cry. Suddenly, the surrounding seawater swirled and condensed, transforming into dozens of water arrows that shot towards the Flood Dragon Shark.

"A mere trick!" The shark neither dodged nor evaded, its scales gleaming with a ghostly light. The water arrows struck them, producing a metallic clang, yet failing to harm it in the slightest.

The shark suddenly accelerated, its steel-whip-like tail sweeping across. Xianyu hurriedly dived down, but was still hit by the aftershock, and a crack immediately appeared on her shell.

"Xianyu!" Shangguan Hongyu was heartbroken and was about to help when she saw Xianyu suddenly change direction and rush towards the dragon shark.

"Auntie, hurry up!"

Suddenly, mysterious patterns lit up the jade turtle's shell, and its speed increased dramatically, crashing heavily into the dragon shark's belly like a small mountain. The dragon shark roared in pain and swung its claws to tear at the turtle, but the jade turtle nimbly dodged them.

A turtle and a shark were locked in a fierce battle in the sea, stirring up towering waves for miles around. Although Xianyu's cultivation was slightly inferior, with the powerful defense of the Xuan Turtle clan and the assistance of Shangguan Hongyu, she managed to fight the Jiao Shark to a standstill.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, dark clouds suddenly filled the sky, accompanied by lightning and thunder. The once calm sea was suddenly churned with towering waves, and a massive whirlpool was forming.

"Oh no! It's the Chaotic Star Sea Storm!" Shangguan Hongyu's expression changed drastically.

The Azure Shark also showed a look of terror, abandoning its pursuit and turning to flee. However, it was too late; a terrifying suction force emanated from the vortex, pulling all three of them into the eye of the storm.

"Auntie!" Xianyu struggled to maintain her balance amidst the howling wind.

Shangguan Hongyu gritted her teeth and pulled out an ancient jade talisman from her bosom—a life-saving item given to them by the old black tortoise before their departure. Without hesitation, she crushed the jade talisman, and a cyan light shield instantly enveloped the two of them.

"boom--!"

As the world spun around them, they were tossed far away by the storm. After an unknown amount of time, the azure protective barrier finally shattered, and the two plummeted from the sky.

……

When Shangguan Hongyu regained consciousness, the first thing she felt was the rough but dry straw mat beneath her. She struggled to open her eyes, and in her blurry vision was a low thatched roof, with sunlight filtering through the gaps.

"Auntie! You're finally awake!" Xianyu's voice, trembling with tears, came from beside her. The little girl's eyes were red and swollen, clearly she had been crying for a long time.

Shangguan Hongyu tried to get up, but found her whole body aching and weak, without even the strength to lift her hand. What alarmed her even more was that the spiritual energy within her body seemed to have sunk into the sea, completely undetectable.

"Where is this?" she asked in a hoarse voice.

“It was Aunt Alan’s family who saved us,” Xianyu said, wiping away her tears. “We were unconscious on the beach for two days and two nights, and it was Aunt Alan and her daughters who carried us back.”

Just then, the wooden door creaked open. A woman in her early thirties walked in carrying a wooden bowl. She had dark skin and fine lines around her eyes, but her brows revealed a resolute spirit.

"The young lady is finally awake." The woman smiled with relief upon seeing Shangguan Hongyu awake. "I am Alan, and this is the fishing village of Five-Colored Island."

Behind her were seven girls of varying ages, the oldest being about fifteen or sixteen and the youngest only five or six, all curiously peering out.

"Thank you for saving me, Sister Alan." Shangguan Hongyu tried to get up to bow, but Alan gently pressed her down.

"Don't move, you're still weak." Alan handed her the wooden bowl. "Drink some fish soup; it'll help you regain some strength."

The fish soup was warm and delicious. Shangguan Hongyu sipped it slowly as she listened to Alan recount how she discovered them.

“After the storm that day, my eldest daughter was collecting seashells on the beach when she saw you being washed ashore by the waves,” Alan pointed to the eldest girl. “You were covered in injuries and unconscious; it terrified the other children.”

“Aunt Alan is amazing!” Xianyu interjected. “She and her sisters take turns caring for us, and she even brewed lots of herbal remedies for Auntie to use to bathe her.”

Shangguan Hongyu then noticed that her wounds had been carefully bandaged and that her clothes had been changed into clean, coarse cloth garments. A warm feeling welled up in her heart: "I will never forget this life-saving grace."

Alan waved her hand: "We're all down on our luck, it's only right to help each other." A hint of sadness flashed in her eyes, "My husband went out to sea to fish three years ago and never came back."

A moment of silence fell over the room. Suddenly, the youngest girl ran to Xianyu and handed her a rough seashell toy: "Here, play with this!"

Xianyu accepted it with delight, and the two little girls quickly became friends. The other sisters also gathered around, chattering excitedly, creating quite a lively scene.

Seeing this, Shangguan Hongyu felt a little relieved. Although they had temporarily lost their magic, at least they were safe. She looked out the window; the setting sun had dyed the fishing village golden, and in the distance, the waves gently lapped at the beach, peaceful and beautiful.

"Sister Alan, could you tell me more about your Five-Colored Island?" Shangguan Hongyu asked tentatively.

Alan's expression suddenly turned wary, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Miss, there are some things on the island that are better left unknown. You should recover first, and I'll arrange for you to leave once the fishing boats go out to sea."

(End of this chapter)