Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 553 Island Adventure, Family Building, and the Addition of Another Golden Core
On the rippling blue sea, a small jade boat bobbed with the waves. Xianyu stood barefoot at the bow, her pale yellow skirt fluttering in the sea breeze.

"Xiaoyue, row faster!" she urged, turning around, her eyes shining like two stars.

Lin Xiaoyue bit her lip, her small hands gripping the oar tightly, fine beads of sweat already forming on her forehead. "Sister Xianyu, have we gone too far? Mother said we shouldn't cross that rocky area."

"What's there to be afraid of!" Xianyu waved her hand dismissively. "My aunt said my Xuan Turtle bloodline is sensitive to danger, but I don't feel anything at all, which means it's perfectly safe ahead!"

The small boat passed through a coral reef, amidst swirling mist, and suddenly a desolate island appeared ahead. The island was barren, with only jagged black rocks that gleamed eerily in the sunlight.

"Huh? There's a hidden island." Xianyu took out a sheepskin sea chart from her storage bag and tilted her head to study it.

Lin Xiaoyue suddenly grabbed her sleeve: "Sister Xianyu, there's something glowing in the water!"

Xianyu immediately crawled to the side of the boat and saw a faint red light shimmering beneath the clear water. Without a word, she took off her outer garment: "I'll go down and take a look!"

"Wait!" Lin Xiaoyue stamped her feet anxiously. "What if there's danger?"

Before she could finish speaking, Xianyu had already plunged into the sea. Xiaoyue gritted her teeth and jumped in after her.

The underwater world is tranquil and magnificent. Schools of colorful fish dart among the coral reefs, and sunlight filters through the surface, casting shimmering spots of light on the seabed. A red light emanates from an underwater cave, flickering like a firefly in the night.

Xianyu pulled Xiaoyue towards the cave. As they got closer, the water temperature gradually rose, and strange white skeletons began to appear all around them—some were fish, and a few were clearly those of large sea beasts.

"Sister Xianyu, let's go back." Xiaoyue shivered, her voice trembling as she transmitted her message.

"Just a little further, just a little bit!" Xianyu's curiosity was completely piqued.

Deep within the cave, a crimson plant took root in a crevice in the rock. Only three feet tall, it bore three fist-sized fruits, their skin covered in cloud-like patterns, emitting an alluring fragrance. Most strangely, flames seemed to flow within the fruits, bathing the entire cave in a crimson glow.

"This is..." Xianyu's eyes widened. "I've seen it in my aunt's herb manual; it's the Fire Cloud Fruit!"

She was about to swim over excitedly when suddenly a dark shadow darted out from the depths of the cave! It was a monster that looked like an eel but had four sharp claws. It was nearly two zhang long and covered with blue-black scales. A row of sharp spikes on its back gleamed coldly.

"A second-tier sea beast!" Xiaoyue exclaimed, pulling Xianyu along as she swam back.

The sea monster opened its blood-red maw, and a high-pressure water jet shot out, grazing the heads of the two men and shattering a reef above them.

Xianyu quickly formed a hand seal, and a curtain of water unfolded behind them, temporarily blocking the sea beast's pursuit. The two swam desperately back to the small boat, and only dared to stop and catch their breath after sailing several miles away.

"That's... an Iron Claw Electric Eel that reaches Tier 3 strength after adulthood," Xiaoyue said, her face pale. "Luckily, that one was still a juvenile."

Xianyu's eyes lit up: "Xiaoyue, we've found a treasure! This Fire Cloud Fruit is at least a hundred years old and has the fire attribute. Auntie needs it right now!"

"But we can't defeat that sea monster."

"That's why we need to go back and tell Auntie!" Xianyu had already turned the boat around. "Row quickly, let's get back before sunset!"
-
As dusk settled, Shangguan Hongyu was meditating in her secret chamber. Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the stone door.

"Auntie! Open the door quickly, we've found something good!" Xianyu's voice came through the stone door, her excitement barely concealed.

Shangguan Hongyu opened her eyes, tapped her fingertips, and the stone door slid open silently. Xianyu pulled Xiaoyue in, the two little girls were soaking wet, their faces flushed with excitement.

"Tell me slowly, what happened?" Shangguan Hongyu took out two dry towels and handed them to them.

Xianyu described the discovery of the Fire Cloud Fruit with great enthusiasm, adding at the end, "Golden veins have already appeared at the top of that Fire Cloud Fruit plant. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, it will be fully ripe in three days at most!"

Shangguan Hongyu's eyes flickered slightly. The Fire Cloud Fruit was indeed the spiritual medicine she needed most right now—not only could it help her recover her Foundation Establishment cultivation, but she could also use the clan's secret techniques to transform the barren spiritual fields on the island. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to gather enough spiritual items to offer to the Yu family every year.

Where is that deserted island located?

Xianyu unfolded the sea chart and pointed to a blank area on the edge: "Right here, separated from Baiyu Island only by a strait."

Shangguan Hongyu frowned slightly. Mo Tianying, the island lord of Baiyu Island, was a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator, but he was greedy and treacherous. If he were to learn of the Fire Cloud Fruit...
“You did a great job.” She patted the two children’s heads. “But this must be kept a secret. You can’t tell anyone, understand?”

The two children nodded vigorously.

Shangguan Hongyu pondered for a moment, then took out a jade slip and placed it on her forehead, inputting some information into it: "Xianyu, give this to Alan and tell her to proceed according to plan. Xiaoyue, go to the storeroom and fetch three water-escape talismans and two water-repelling beads."

After the two children left, Shangguan Hongyu walked to the window and looked towards Baiyu Island. As night deepened, faint flashes of lightning could be seen at the horizon.

Hopefully, nothing more will go wrong.
-
At midnight, a dark figure, almost blending into the night, silently departed from Five-Colored Island. Shangguan Hongyu was dressed in a black outfit, her long hair tied up, and a thin sword hung at her waist. Xianyu followed behind her, her little face tense, her usual playful demeanor gone.

The two walked on water and soon arrived near the deserted island. Shangguan Hongyu took out the water-repelling pearl, put it in her mouth, made a gesture to Xianyu, and silently submerged into the sea.

The underwater world appears even more mysterious at night. Bioluminescent plankton, like stars, sway with the current. The two quickly found the cave and could see the iron-clawed electric eel perched at the entrance, vigilantly surveying its territory.

Shangguan Hongyu transmitted her voice, "I'll lure it away, you go in and pick the fruit. Remember, only pick the one with the most obvious golden markings, leave two smaller ones for it to continue guarding."

Xianyu nodded and accepted the jade box and a small pair of golden scissors from her aunt.

Shangguan Hongyu made a hand seal, and a phantom clone swam in the opposite direction, deliberately making a loud splash. The iron-clawed electric eel was immediately attracted and chased after it like an arrow.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xianyu swam into the cave. Upon closer inspection, the Fire Cloud Fruit was even more beautiful than she had imagined—the cloud-like patterns on the surface of the fruit seemed to flow slowly, and the firelight inside swirled, radiating a comforting temperature. She carefully used golden scissors to cut off the ripest one and placed it in a jade box.

Just then, an angry roar suddenly came from the depths of the cave! It turned out that the electric eel had realized it had been tricked and was rushing back. Xianyu was so frightened that her hand trembled, and she almost dropped the jade box.

"Go quickly!" Shangguan Hongyu's voice rang in her ears. She grabbed Xianyu, crushed a water escape talisman, and the two instantly appeared a hundred feet away.

The electric eel burst out of its burrow, frantically churning the seawater and creating small whirlpools. But it was too late; the two had already swum out of its territory.

After surfacing, Xianyu breathed a sigh of relief and proudly held up the jade box as if presenting a treasure: "Auntie, I got it!"

Shangguan Hongyu, however, did not relax at all, her sharp gaze sweeping across her surroundings: "Something's not right."

Just then, a chilling laugh echoed from the darkness: "Island Master Shangguan went out for a nighttime stroll without even informing his neighbors?"

A tall, thin figure emerged from behind the reef; it was Mo Tianying, the island lord of White Feather Island. Behind him were four cultivators who surrounded him in a fan shape.

"I could smell the aroma of the Fire Cloud Fruit from afar." Mo Tianying stared greedily at the jade box in Xian Yu's hand. "Seeing is believing. Island Master Shangguan wouldn't be thinking of keeping it all for himself, would he?"

Shangguan Hongyu shielded the immortal jade behind her and sneered, "Island Master Mo has quite the refined taste, staying up all night to specifically follow us, aunt and niece?"

Mo Tianying smiled sinisterly: "Let's not beat around the bush. Hand over the Fire Cloud Fruit, and I'll let you leave. Otherwise..." He clapped his hands, and dozens of torches suddenly lit up on the distant sea—the White Feather Island fleet had surrounded this area at some point.

"You think you're the only one who's prepared?" Shangguan Hongyu suddenly laughed, a laugh that sent a chill down Mo Tianying's spine.

With a flick of her finger, a golden light shot into the sky, exploding into a lotus-shaped firework in the night. Almost simultaneously, urgent bells rang out from the direction of White Feather Island—an alarm signaling an attack!

"What...what did you do?" Mo Tianying's expression changed drastically.

Shangguan Hongyu calmly adjusted her cuffs: "It's nothing, just sent a small team to visit your island's warehouse. If Island Lord Mo goes back now, he might still make it in time."

Mo Tianying's face contorted for a moment, then he stomped his foot angrily: "Withdraw!" He led his men away hastily, leaving behind the words, "This isn't over!"

Once the people from White Feather Island had gone far away, Xianyu dared to speak: "Aunt, are we really sending people?"

"It's just a bluff." Shangguan Hongyu's smile faded. "Let's go, he'll soon realize he's been tricked."

The night was as dark as ink, but the pier on Baiyu Island was brightly lit with torches.

Mo Tianying jumped off the spirit boat with a grim face, followed by a group of terrified cultivators. The alarm bells on the island were still ringing, but as far as the eye could see, the storeroom was intact, and the patrolling disciples looked at the island lord who had suddenly returned with blank expressions.

“Island Lord, this…” A guard captain approached tremblingly, “We did hear strange noises coming from the direction of the warehouse, but after searching with our men, we found nothing unusual.”

Mo Tianying's eyes twitched, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. He turned around abruptly and slapped Zhao Yuande behind him, sending him staggering a few steps.

"Useless! You can't even see through a diversionary tactic!"

Zhao Yuande covered his swollen face, a flash of resentment in his eyes, but he quickly replaced it with a fawning smile: "Island Lord, you are wise; it was your foolishness."

Mo Tianying gave him a cold glance and strode towards the island lord's mansion. Zhao Yuande quickly jogged after him, waving to signal the others to disperse.

Inside the main hall of the island lord's mansion, Mo Tianying ripped off his cloak and threw it hard on the ground.

"That Shangguan Hongyu! How dare she play tricks on me!"

Zhao Yuande eagerly offered a cup of spiritual tea, seizing the opportunity to speak: "Island Lord, please calm your anger. In my humble opinion, Five-Colored Island is ruled by nothing more than two women; what abilities could they possibly possess? Why don't we immediately gather our forces, launch a night attack, seize the Fire Cloud Fruit, and, incidentally—" he made a throat-slitting gesture—" to eliminate any future troubles!"

Mo Tianying took the teacup but did not drink it. He simply used the lid to gently stir the floating leaves, his eyes gleaming.

"Fool," he suddenly sneered. "Do you think Shangguan Hongyu, who could kill the former island lord, wouldn't have no trump cards up her sleeve?"

Zhao Yuande scoffed: "That was nothing more than taking advantage of someone in distress. It's said the original island lord was in seclusion attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage when she was ambushed."

"Bullshit!" Mo Tianying slammed his teacup on the ground, shards of porcelain flying everywhere. "Do you think I didn't investigate? That old tortoise from Five-Colored Island, even in seclusion, had protective barriers. To be able to sneak in and kill him silently, he's no easy opponent!"

Zhao Yuande shrank back after being scolded, but still wouldn't give up: "But Island Master, what about the Fire Cloud Fruit..."

"What's the rush?" Mo Tianying narrowed his eyes, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey. "In another year, it will be time to pay tribute to the Yu family. With the meager resources of Five-Colored Island, Shangguan Hongyu will definitely do everything in her power to collect spiritual treasures." He smiled sinisterly. "Wouldn't it be easier to seize them after she has painstakingly prepared?"

Zhao Yuande's eyes lit up, and he gave a thumbs up: "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Let her be our wedding dress!"

Mo Tianying paced to the window, gazing towards Five-Colored Island: "Besides, my 'Blood Fiend True Technique' will be fully mastered in a few months. Even if she has trump cards then, she won't escape death!"

As he spoke, his right hand unconsciously went to his chest. Faint, blood-red lines were spreading from his collar, gleaming with an eerie light.

Seeing this, a hint of fear flashed in Zhao Yuande's eyes, and he quickly lowered his head to hide it: "The island lord's divine skills are unparalleled, and Shangguan Hongyu is naturally no match for him. However..." He hesitated for a moment, "I heard that Five-Colored Island is currently building a Spirit Testing Platform, seemingly to train its own cultivators."

Mo Tianying scoffed, "Just a last-minute attempt. What decent talent can be cultivated in a mere few years?" He turned and ordered, "Send more guards to monitor Five-Colored Island, especially their resource gathering. Also, strengthen the island's defensive formations to prevent a preemptive strike."

Zhao Yuande repeatedly agreed and was about to leave when he was stopped again.

"Wait." Mo Tianying took out a small blood-red flag from his storage bag and handed it to him. "Plant this 'Blood Spirit Banner' around the warehouse. If any outsiders break in, activate the restriction immediately."

Zhao Yuande accepted the flag with both hands, feeling its icy touch and faintly hearing mournful cries coming from within. He suppressed his discomfort and respectfully withdrew.

After Zhao Yuande left, Mo Tianying turned and walked towards the inner room. He made a hand seal to release three restrictions and pushed open a hidden door. Behind the door was a downward stone staircase, at the end of which was a secret chamber filled with blood-red runes.

In the center of the secret chamber, a pool of blood bubbled and gurgled. Hundreds of children's corpses were submerged in the pool, each with a grotesque expression, clearly having suffered immense agony before their deaths. Intricate array patterns were carved along the edge of the pool, constantly transforming the blood essence into wisps of blood mist, which were absorbed by Mo Tianying's clone, who sat cross-legged beside the pool.

"Forty-nine more boys and girls are needed." Mo Tianying walked to the edge of the blood pool, stirring the viscous blood with his hand. "Shangguan Hongyu, I'll let you live for another year."

He suddenly remembered something, and a cruel smile curled at the corner of his lips: "I heard there's a little girl on Five-Colored Island with dual water and wood spiritual roots? Perfect for using her as a sacrifice."

Eerie laughter echoed in the secret chamber, and the corpses in the blood pool swayed gently with the ripples, as if they were crying silently.

In the square in front of the Five-Colored Island Master's Mansion, nine disciples stood in neat rows. Shangguan Hongyu wore a plain white dress, her long black hair tied up with only a jade hairpin. She was as beautiful and refined as a lotus emerging from the water, yet she exuded an unassailable majesty.

“From this day forward, I will be in seclusion.” Her voice was soft, yet clear to everyone. “During this time, all affairs on the island will be decided by Steward Alan, and everyone must obey her arrangements.”

Alan stood at the very front of the group, her hands clasped in front of her abdomen, her back ramrod straight. This fisherwoman, who had once endured countless hardships, now had a calm and steady light in her eyes.

Shangguan Hongyu turned to her: "Alan, the island's defenses are now in your hands."

"Rest assured, Master." Alan nodded solemnly, taking out a cyan array plate from her bosom. "I have already arranged reliable personnel to take turns guarding the four array points, as instructed by Master."

Shangguan Hongyu nodded in satisfaction, her gaze sweeping over Xianyu standing to the side. The little girl was unusually quiet today, her hands behind her back, but her toes were restlessly drawing circles on the ground.

"Immortal Jade."

"Here!" Xianyu jumped up and stood straight.

Shangguan Hongyu walked up to her, bent down to look her in the eye, and asked, "Have you remembered what your aunt said?"

"I remember!" Xianyu counted on her fingers, "Don't leave Five-Colored Island, don't approach the coastline, don't activate the magic array without permission, and..." She frowned, thinking for a moment, "...don't steal the spiritual fruits from the storeroom!"

Good-natured laughter rang out around them. A hint of a smile flashed in Shangguan Hongyu's eyes, but she quickly regained her seriousness: "And there's one more crucial point."

Xianyu stuck out her tongue: "If you encounter anything unusual, notify Aunt Alan immediately."

“Very good.” Shangguan Hongyu straightened up and said to everyone, “Baiyu Island is eyeing us covetously; we must be vigilant. From today onwards, a curfew will be imposed on the island; no one may leave after sunset. Fishing and gathering will be temporarily suspended. The grain reserves in the warehouse are sufficient to last for several years; there is no need to panic.”

The disciples responded in unison. Shangguan Hongyu then gave some more details before dismissing everyone, leaving only Alan and Xianyu behind.

"Alan, this is for you." She took out a jade talisman from her sleeve. "In case of emergency, crush it, and I will immediately leave seclusion."

Alan accepted the gift with both hands and carefully placed it into his inner pocket: "Master, please rest assured and continue your seclusion. I will do my utmost to protect Five-Colored Island."

Shangguan Hongyu then looked at Xianyu: "When I wasn't around, you were the most powerful cultivator on the island; you need to shoulder the responsibility."

Xianyu blinked, then suddenly puffed out her little chest: "Don't worry, Auntie, Xianyu will protect everyone!"

Shangguan Hongyu rubbed her head, said nothing more, and turned to walk towards the secret chamber behind the island lord's mansion. It was heavily fortified and the safest place on the island.

Before the secret chamber, Shangguan Hongyu took one last look at Five-Colored Island. The fishing village was peaceful and serene in the morning mist, and the sea shimmered in the distance. She took a deep breath, made a hand seal to release the restriction, and the stone door slowly closed.
-
Inside the secret chamber, Shangguan Hongyu sat cross-legged. She took out the Fire Cloud Fruit from the jade box. The golden patterns on the surface of the fruit had spread to the entire surface, and flames flowed inside, radiating a scorching temperature.

"I hope to restore my Foundation Establishment cultivation in one fell swoop," she murmured to herself, then put the Fire Cloud Fruit into her mouth without hesitation.

The fruit melted in her mouth, transforming into a torrent of heat that rushed down her throat. Shangguan Hongyu immediately activated her family's secret technique, the "Mysterious Fire True Technique," guiding this violent medicinal power through her meridians.

boom!
The medicine burned through her meridians like a raging fire, each impact bringing excruciating pain.

Time ticked by, and her clothes were already soaked with sweat. Suddenly, a soft "click" sound came from inside her body—a sign that the bottleneck had loosened!

Shangguan Hongyu's spirits lifted, and she focused even more intently on guiding her spiritual energy. The medicinal power of the Fire Cloud Fruit was gradually refined, achieving a delicate balance with the spiritual energy within her body. At the point of fusion, a new and purer energy was generated, slowly flowing into her dantian.

Outside the secret chamber, dusk was falling. Xianyu, who was guarding the entrance, paced anxiously back and forth, occasionally peering into the stone door, though she couldn't see anything. "Aunt Alan, will Auntie be alright?" she asked for the umpteenth time.

Alan, who was inspecting the array plate, comforted him upon hearing this, saying, "Master's cultivation is profound, and with the help of the Fire Cloud Fruit, he will surely break through smoothly." She glanced at the sky, "Xianyu, it's time to inspect the array."

Xianyu glanced longingly at the secret chamber before following Alan toward the plaza in front of the island lord's mansion. There stood a three-foot-high stone platform, inlaid with five-colored crystals, which was the core of the island's protective array.

Alan placed the array plate into the groove in the center of the stone platform, and the five-colored crystals immediately lit up with a soft light. A semi-transparent light curtain slowly spread outwards from the stone platform, eventually enveloping the entire Five-Colored Island.

"How beautiful!" Xianyu exclaimed, looking up at the rainbow-like light screen.

Alan's expression turned grave: "This 'Five-Colored Smoke Formation' can block attacks from cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage, but it consumes a great deal of resources, requiring ten low-grade spirit stones every day." She sighed, "I hope Master can emerge from seclusion soon."

Just as Xianyu was about to speak, her ears twitched, and she turned towards the sea to the southeast: "Someone's there!"

Alan immediately became alert and followed her gaze. On the distant sea, a small boat was quietly sailing away and quickly disappeared into the twilight.

“They’re spies from White Feather Island.” Alan gripped the array plate tightly. “They were indeed monitoring us.”

Xianyu stomped her foot angrily: "Damn it! If Auntie were here, she would definitely beat them to a pulp!"

“Now is not the time to be reckless.” Alan pressed her shoulder. “Remember Master’s instructions: we just need to hold the great formation and wait for Master to emerge from seclusion.”

Unbeknownst to the two, the guards on the small boat had already relayed the news of Five-Colored Island activating its defensive array back to White Feather Island.

Huizhou Prefecture Council Hall

The family meeting, held every five years, is underway.

Inside the main hall, the air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Liu Meizhen sat regally in the main seat, dressed in an elegant long dress. Her features were exquisite, yet she possessed an air of quiet authority. She lightly tapped the armrest with her fingertips, her gaze calmly sweeping over everyone in the hall.

On either side below, the heads of various halls and counties sat in order, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Fu Yongqing of Huixi County rose and bowed respectfully, saying, "Reporting to the patriarch, in the past five years, Huixi County has mined three fire spirit stone veins, refined over three thousand fire-attribute magical artifacts, and bred one hundred thousand fire-scaled fish, resulting in a 30% increase in annual revenue."

He paused, then added, "However... during the mining process, some miners accidentally triggered an underground volcanic vein, causing a small-scale eruption and damaging part of the mine shaft."

Liu Meizhen nodded slightly: "Were there any casualties?"

Fu Yongqing shook his head: "Fortunately, the evacuation was timely, and no one perished."

"Hmm." Liu Meizhen tapped the armrest lightly with her fingertips. "Although the eruption of the fire vein was an accident, we need to strengthen our defenses in the future. We can ask the Array Hall to assist in setting up early warning barriers."

Fu Yongqing respectfully agreed, then stole a glance at his wife Liu Shuang sitting in the back. Seeing that she looked satisfied, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly sat down.
-
Qin Da scratched his head sheepishly, then stood up and reported:
"Mistress, the miasma in the Misty Ghost Forest in Huiyang County is thicker than in previous years, but our Heavenly Dragon Temple is thriving, with the number of believers tripling!"

He grinned and continued, "Furthermore, as you instructed, we have cultivated spiritual fields around the temple and planted many miasma-repelling herbs. Now, the common people of Huiyang County can cultivate the land with peace of mind."

Liu Meizhen nodded approvingly, "Indeed, the power of faith greatly benefits the family's fortune. Qin Da, you've done very well."

Qin Da scratched his head and said, "Well... recently a few ghosts at the Purple Mansion stage escaped from the depths and were killed by the patrol team, but I'm worried that there might be something even more powerful deep within the Ghost Forest."

Liu Meizhen pondered for a moment: "In that case, we can ask the Conquest Hall to send an elite squad to cooperate with the priests of the Heavenly Dragon Temple to guard the border."

Qin Da nodded honestly, "Alright! I'll arrange it as soon as I get back!"
-
Fu Changli of Huiping County lazily got up, still carrying a wine gourd in his hand, and said with a smile, "Mistress, everything is normal over in Leize, except that thunderstorms are more frequent than in previous years, but it doesn't affect our production of thunder-attribute spiritual materials."

He tilted his head back and took a swig of wine, then said, "Oh, by the way, I recently improved the recipe for Thunder Spirit Wine. It tastes stronger and can temporarily enhance the power of thunder magic. Would you like to try some?"

Liu Meizhen chuckled: "Changli, you're still thinking about your wine at the family meeting?"

Fu Changli chuckled: "Cultivation, after all, should have some fun."

Liu Meizhen shook her head helplessly: "Continue to keep an eye on the Lei Ze matter. Report any unusual activity immediately."

"Yes, sir!" Fu Changli sat down with a grin and secretly poured himself another cup.
-
When Gan Muwan stood up, all eyes in the hall focused on her. Her expression was calm, her gaze resolute, and the jade slip in her hand glowed faintly with spiritual light, clearly indicating that she was well-prepared.

“Mother, elders,” she said in a clear voice, “Beilin County has implemented new policies over the past five years, abolishing the old taxes and replacing them with a ‘merit-based system’—the cultivation speed of the younger generation in the clan has increased by 20%, the output of spirit fields has increased by 30%, and the tax burden on ordinary people has been reduced by half.”

As soon as these words were spoken, hushed discussions immediately arose within the hall.

Gan Muwan raised her hand and waved her hand; a few lines of text condensed in the air, clearly listing her reform measures:

【1. Abolish the old tax system】: The spirit grain and spirit stone taxes, which were originally levied on a mandatory basis according to family contributions, will be changed to be paid according to the proportion of actual income, thus reducing the burden on lower-level cultivators and mortals.

【2. Merit System】: Young cultivators who can break through their realm or complete family tasks within a specified period of time can have some taxes reduced or even receive additional resource rewards.

【3. Spiritual Field Rotation】: Optimize the planting cycle of spiritual plants to avoid the depletion of spiritual energy in the land, while introducing new spiritual fertilizers to increase yield.

【4. Mortal Academy】: Establish a basic cultivation academy to select qualified mortal children, train them in advance, and expand the family's reserve strength.

Fu Yongshang's gaze fell on the second item, his eyes filled with approval:

"The merit-based system truly motivates the younger generation. My young disciples in the Business Hall have recently shown a significant increase in enthusiasm, with some even volunteering to explore markets on remote trade routes."

Fu Yongwei nodded in agreement:
"I've seen the method of rotating crops in spirit fields in ancient texts, but no one has ever dared to try it. It's truly remarkable that Mu Wan was able to implement it successfully."

Qin Da also gave a simple and honest smile:
"The lives of ordinary people in Beilin County are much better now. Many of the believers in our Tianlong Temple migrated from Beilin County, and they all say that Madam Gan is kind and benevolent."

However, not everyone agrees.

Fu Changli lazily shook his wine gourd and laughed:

"Mu Wan, your new policy is good, but the family resources are limited. If everyone gets tax reductions or exemptions, won't the family treasury be depleted?"

This statement came out.

Fu Yongjing also frowned and said:

"While a merit-based system can be motivating, it can also easily lead young people to become restless and unscrupulous in their pursuit of breakthroughs. Our Weapon Refining Hall has recently received several cases of individuals damaging their foundations due to forced breakthroughs."

The Heavenly Sound Fairy said calmly:

"Whether the resources invested in the Mortal Academy are worthwhile requires further consideration."

Faced with the questions, Gan Muwan remained calm and slowly said:

"Uncle Changli's concerns are not without merit, but the new policy is not simply about reducing or exempting taxes; rather, it aims to allocate resources more precisely to those with potential. Over the past five years, Beilin County's total tax revenue has not decreased; on the contrary, it has increased by 20% due to increased production."

She looked at Fu Yongjing:

"The path of cultivation is inherently perilous. What the family can do is provide proper guidance, not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Finally, she looked at the Celestial Music Fairy:
"The Mortal Academy does consume resources, but by improving their physical constitution, the chances of their descendants becoming spiritual root cultivators are much greater. In the long run, it's worthwhile."

The hall fell silent as everyone awaited the matriarch's final decision.

Liu Meizhen tapped the armrest lightly with her fingertips, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke:
"Mu Wan's new policies have both advantages and disadvantages, but overall the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

She glanced around at everyone, her tone calm and composed:

"If a family is to prosper in the long run, it cannot cling to the old ways. The reforms in Beilin County can continue, but three restrictions must be added—"

1. Establish a monitoring mechanism: prevent the merit system from being abused and ensure that resources truly end up in the hands of those with potential.

2. The Ordinary People's Academy selects the best students: reducing resource waste and focusing on cultivating those with outstanding talents.

3. Five-year period: If the new policy does not achieve the expected results, adjustments will be made in a timely manner.

She looked at Gan Muwan, her gaze gentle yet firm:

"Mu Wan, can you accept this?"

Gan Muwan bowed deeply:
"The daughter-in-law will obey her mother's command."

Liu Meizhen nodded slightly, making the final decision:
"In that case, the new policies for Beilin County shall be implemented accordingly."

Next.

After each branch reported on its operations over the past five years, Fu Yongshang of the Business Hall stood up, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness.

"Madam, I have a very important proposal—to establish the 'Wuzhou Chamber of Commerce'!"

With a light tap of his finger, a map of Wuzhou appeared in the hall, marking the spheres of influence of various major families.

"Now, my Fu family is the foremost family in Wuzhou. If we can unite with the Ouyang family, the Wu family, the Huang family, and other sixth-rank families, along with numerous seventh-rank families, the Chamber of Commerce will surely succeed!"

He paused, then said confidently:

"At that time, my Fu family will control the Chamber of Commerce, have complete control over the circulation of resources in Wuzhou, and profits will at least double!"

As soon as Fu Yongshang finished speaking, a murmur of discussion arose in the council hall. This proposal was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in its wake.

"Form a Wuzhou Chamber of Commerce?" Fu Yongwei was the first to speak, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "Our Fu family's own chamber of commerce is doing quite well, why should we share profits with other families?"

Fu Yongqi snorted coldly: "That's right. With the current strength of our Fu family, we can completely monopolize the market. Why let outsiders take a share?"

Fu Yongshang calmly surveyed the crowd, a confident smile on his face: "Please allow me to explain in detail." He lightly tapped his finger, and the illusory map in the air shifted, displaying the trade routes and resource distribution throughout Wuzhou.

“First of all, although our Fu family is powerful, Wuzhou is a vast territory, and it’s difficult for us to completely control all the trade routes on our own.” He pointed to several key points on the map, “For example, the Cold Iron Mine in the north and the Spirit Medicine Valley in the west both require cooperation with other families to ensure stable mining.”

Fu Yongjing of the Weapon Refining Hall nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, our Weapon Refining Hall has recently encountered a shortage of cold iron."

"Secondly," Fu Yongshang continued, "the Wanning Chamber of Commerce has been entrenched in Wuzhou City for many years. Backed by a powerful force in Zhongzhou, they have abundant funds; if we fight alone, it will be difficult to contend with them."

The atmosphere in the hall immediately turned serious upon mentioning the Wanning Chamber of Commerce. The Heavenly Sound Fairy of the Array Hall gently waved her feather fan, saying worriedly, "The Wanning Chamber of Commerce has branches in every state, and it's said that a Nascent Soul cultivator is behind them. If we form a chamber of commerce to compete with them, will..."

"That's precisely the key," Fu Yongshang said, his eyes gleaming. "Because of their immense power, we need to unite with the local powerful families of Wuzhou. The Wanning Chamber of Commerce can easily suppress the Fu family alone; but if the major families of Wuzhou join forces, even the Wanning Chamber of Commerce will have to think twice."

Liu Meizhen, who had been listening quietly, nodded slightly: "Yongshang has considered everything very thoroughly. Please continue with the specific articles of association of the chamber of commerce."

Fu Yongshang's spirits lifted, and he took out a jade slip and activated it, revealing a detailed plan in the air:

"The Wuzhou Chamber of Commerce I proposed will adopt a 'joint shareholding, tiered management' model."

"First, the shareholding distribution. Our Fu family, as the initiator and the strongest family, holds 40% of the shares; the Ouyang family, the Wu family, and the Huang family each hold 15%; and the remaining seven rank families collectively hold 15%."

Fu Yongfu of the Talisman Making Hall frowned and said, "We only have 40%? Isn't that too little?"

“No, this ratio is just right,” Fu Yongshang explained. “It ensures our dominance while also giving other families sufficient benefits. A 40% stake is enough to guarantee that major decisions must be approved by us.”

"Secondly, the management structure. We will appoint one president, chosen by the Fu family; three vice presidents, one each from the Ouyang, Wu, and Huang families; and a board of deputies, composed of representatives from each participating family."

Gan Muwan pondered for a moment: "This way, we can maintain our control while also giving other families a sense of participation."

“Third, the specific operations,” Fu Yongshang continued, “The Chamber of Commerce has three main departments: the Trade Department, responsible for the buying and selling of goods, is led by our Fu family; the Transportation Department, responsible for the security of trade routes, is managed by the Wu family; and the Information Department, responsible for market intelligence, is managed by the Ouyang family.”

Fu Changli shook the wine jug, then suddenly interjected, "What about the Huang family? What are they good at?"

Fu Yongshang smiled and said, "The Huang family excels in the art of Bagua divination. Only by each family utilizing its strengths can we maximize our benefits."

"As for profit distribution," he added, "in addition to dividends based on shareholding, there will be a secondary distribution based on each company's actual contribution. For example, a company that provides an important trade route or solves a major problem may receive an additional reward."

A look of approval flashed in Liu Meizhen's eyes: "This design is ingenious; it's fair and also motivates everyone."

At this moment, Qin Da's honest voice rang out: "But... will the Wanning Chamber of Commerce just stand by and watch us grow bigger?"

The hall fell silent once more. Everyone knew that this was the most crucial issue.

Fu Yongshang took a deep breath: "There will definitely be resistance. But I've studied it carefully. The Wanning Chamber of Commerce's influence in Wuzhou is mainly concentrated in the mid-to-high-end market. We can start with basic resource trade and gradually expand our influence."

“More importantly,” a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes, “I’ve secretly contacted several managers of the Wanning Chamber of Commerce. If the benefits are right, they might not go to great lengths to stop us.”

The council chamber fell into deep thought.

Everyone understands that this is a decision that carries both opportunities and risks.

After a long silence, Liu Meizhen slowly rose, her voice clear and firm: "Yongshang's plan is excellent. I have decided to officially launch the Wuzhou Chamber of Commerce establishment plan."

She surveyed the crowd, her gaze sharp: "But three points must be remembered: First, avoid direct competition with the Wanning Chamber of Commerce in the initial stages; second, firmly grasp the core power of the Chamber; and third, be prepared to deal with all kinds of suppression."

Fu Yongshang bowed deeply: "I will obey Madam's instructions. I will finalize the detailed plan within a month and begin contacting other prominent families."

Liu Meizhen nodded, then added, "Remember, the key to the success or failure of the Chamber of Commerce lies in whether it can truly benefit the major families. Only when interests are intertwined can it last."

Just as Liu Meizhen finished giving her final instructions, her brow suddenly furrowed, and she vanished from her seat in an instant. Before anyone could react, a soft exclamation came from outside the hall: "Lei Yun?!"

Everyone inside the hall rose and quickly left the council hall. They saw Liu Meizhen looking up at the sky, her delicate hand slightly raised, pointing towards the back mountain. Following her gaze, everyone gasped in shock.

Above the back mountain, the once clear sky was now covered with dark clouds, and flashes of lightning could be seen. As if summoned, the spiritual energy within a hundred miles frantically converged towards the back mountain, forming a massive vortex of spiritual energy in mid-air. At the center of the vortex, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and faint golden patterns could be seen moving through the clouds.

"A phenomenon of the Golden Core!" Fu Yongjing exclaimed.

(End of this chapter)