Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 554 Top-Grade Golden Elixir, Seeking Cooperation with a Tiger, Territorial Expansion
"It's Aunt Mo Lan!" Fu Yongqing's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his voice trembling slightly. "She's the only one in the forbidden area behind the mountain who's in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage."

Seeing this extraordinary phenomenon of lightning tribulation, he became even more determined to gather the spiritual items that would help his mother achieve the Core Formation stage.

Fu Yongshang clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Excellent! Once Aunt Molan successfully forms her Golden Core, my Fu family will have six Golden Core cultivators, giving us even more confidence when we establish the Chamber of Commerce!"

"Six Golden Core cultivators," Fu Yongqi murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "That brings us one step closer to becoming a fifth-grade aristocratic family!"

Fu Changli and his sister Fu Changli exchanged a glance.

Their faces showed eager expressions. They had taken the Xuanhuang Spirit Pill, and although they hadn't been able to condense a Chaos Dao Foundation, with the help of spiritual objects, breaking through to the Golden Core stage should be no problem. Once they formed their core, they could have a lifespan of a thousand years!
Everyone's faces beamed with joy, except for Fairy Tianyin, who stood rooted to the spot, her jade hand unconsciously clenching her feather fan. She gazed at the vortex of spiritual energy, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. As one of the few core members of the Fu family who hadn't yet formed her core, she felt a mixture of envy and bitterness.

“Fellow Daoist Tianyin, there’s no need to worry,” Liu Meizhen said gently, turning her head as if sensing something. “With your talent, forming your core is only a matter of time.”

Fairy Tianyin forced a smile: "What the mistress says is true. I am just happy for Fellow Daoist Molan." Even so, her gaze could not be taken off the strange phenomenon of heaven and earth.

On the other side, Fu Changli had already opened a jar of treasured spirit wine and taken a hearty gulp: "Hahaha! Such a joyous occasion deserves a toast! When Mo Lan emerges from seclusion, I will celebrate with newly brewed 'Golden Dew'!"

Fu Changli smiled and shook her head.

The youngest, Fu Qinglin, looked up, his eyes filled with longing: "I wonder when I'll be able to attract such a celestial phenomenon?"

Liu Meizhen patted her grandson's shoulder affectionately: "As long as you study diligently and without ceasing, you will eventually reach this level as well."

As everyone spoke, the strange phenomena in the sky became increasingly astonishing.

The vortex of spiritual energy had expanded to cover the entire sky above the Fu family, and the golden light at the center of the vortex grew stronger and stronger, vaguely condensing into the shape of a golden lotus flower.

……

The secret chamber in the forbidden area behind the mountain was filled with a chilling atmosphere.

Fu Molan sat cross-legged on the Xuanbing Jade Bed, surrounded by pale blue ice mist. The Xuanming True Scripture was operating at its peak, and the liquid magic power within her body was undergoing a tremendous transformation.

"Condensation!"

With a soft shout, the surging magical power within her dantian finally completed its final compression, transforming into a crystal-clear, ice-blue golden pill.

Three golden lines were clearly visible on the surface of the Golden Elixir, emanating an astonishing chill.

"Third-grade Golden Elixir."

Fu Molan felt a slight joy in her heart. This grade of Golden Core was already considered top-tier in the cultivation world. However, before she could fully savor the joy of her Golden Core's completion, the scene before her suddenly distorted.

-

"Lan'er, bring the medicine," came a weak call from the bedside.

Fu Molan was startled.

She turned mechanically at the sound of the voice and saw her mother's pale face. Memories flooded back—it was when she was sixteen, when her mother was critically ill.

She understood the illusion, but she couldn't break free from it.

He could only watch helplessly as his young body began to move uncontrollably, picking up the bowl of medicine from the table and walking to the bedside.

"Mom, it's time to take your medicine." She heard her own childish voice.

The woman on the bed struggled to sit up, her thin wrist still adorned with the silver bracelet she had worn when she was redeemed from her servitude. Fu Molan noticed the new wrinkles around her mother's eyes and the glaring white hair at her temples—her mother had never smiled since being swindled out of all her money by her uncle and aunt and sold back to the brothel.

"Lan'er." After her mother finished drinking her medicine, she suddenly grabbed her hand. "Mother is so sorry."

Fu Molan felt a pang of heartache. She had felt the same way back then, listening to her mother's self-reproach every day and watching her mother grow increasingly haggard with guilt.

"I'll go borrow money from my uncle." The version of myself in the illusion suddenly stood up. "The doctor said that as long as there's ginseng to prolong life, Mother's illness can be cured!"

"Don't go!" the mother coughed violently. "They...they won't help us."

But her sixteen-year-old self had already rushed out of the room. Fu Molan's consciousness followed her younger self, watching that slender figure pass through the noisy lobby of the brothel, bursting out the door amidst the lewd gazes of the pimps.

……

Luo Family Village.

In the dilapidated farmhouse courtyard, the aunt cracked sunflower seeds, glancing sideways at the uninvited guest: "Oh, isn't this the little bastard from the brothel, Wan Hua Lou?"

"Aunt, my mother is seriously ill. Please lend me fifty taels of silver." The young man knelt in the dust.

"Borrow money?" The eldest uncle came out of the house, his fleshy face twitching. "The silver your mother brought back is all gone! Besides, does a prostitute deserve to eat ginseng?"

The most hurtful moment came from his younger cousin standing to the side, who was imitating his parents by spitting at him: "Dirty! So dirty!"

When she tearfully mentioned "that thousand taels of silver," her uncle suddenly flew into a rage, grabbed a broom, and started hitting her: "You dare mention silver? If it weren't for your mother's indiscretions, would our Luo family be unable to hold our heads high in the village?"

……

The backyard of Wanhualou.

Grandma Wan, fanning herself with a round fan, her gold teeth gleaming in the sunlight, said, "Lend me money? Sure." She tossed out a contract, "Sign this, and Grandma Wan will get a doctor for your mother."

Fu Molan looked at her younger self, trembling as she signed the contract of servitude. But as she handed over the money, Madam Wan changed her mind: "Oh dear, after thinking about it carefully, your mother, with her sickly appearance, wouldn't even earn enough to cover her costs by taking customers."

Fu Molan suddenly regained a sliver of clarity in the illusion. Back then, she had tricked Madam Wan into spending money—she deliberately went on a hunger strike before the courtesan election, and Madam Wan, fearing the loss of her cash cow, reluctantly called a doctor.

But how could the tribulations of inner demons be so simple?
The scene suddenly distorted, transforming into her darkest memory—her first night as a prostitute after her mother's recovery. The obese salt merchant was on top of her, his reeking of alcohol close to her ear: "You little slut, stop pretending to be so virtuous."

"No!!!"

Suddenly, Fu Molan's golden core erupted with blinding golden light, and her Xuanming True Qi exploded uncontrollably. The entire illusion was instantly frozen, and everyone—including Madam Wan, her uncle and aunt, and the salt merchant—was frozen into ice sculptures.

"It's all fake. It's all fake." Fu Molan stood in the center of the frozen illusion, her face resolute. "Mother is gone, and I'm not the same person I used to be."

She raised her hand, looking at the golden core patterns appearing in her palm, her voice growing increasingly steady: "I am now Fu Molan, a cultivator about to achieve the Golden Core stage!"

“Crack—”

The illusion shattered like a mirror.

……

Fu Molan suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze flashing with a cold light.

Just as she broke free from the illusion of her inner demons, a deafening thunderclap sounded overhead—the Golden Core Tribulation had been fully prepared.

"boom--!"

The first bolt of golden lightning, like a sword of divine punishment, cleaved through the tribulation-crossing array above the secret chamber in an instant. The array patterns crumbled inch by inch, and the spirit stones turned to dust.

Fu Molan remained calm and composed, and with a gentle wave of her hand, an ancient mirror covered in cracks rose into the air.

"Thunder Mirror, activate!"

This was the broken magic weapon that Liu Meizhen had given her.

Although the mirror was cracked, it refracted a rainbow of light under the lightning, dispersing the first lightning tribulation into dozens of tiny electric snakes. Fu Molan took the opportunity to activate the "Mysterious Netherworld True Scripture," and a crystal-clear ice armor condensed on her body, keeping out the stray lightning bolts.

The second and third lightning tribulations followed one after another.

The Thunder Mirror cracked under the strain, the fissures widening further. Fu Molan calmly responded, forming hand seals and conjuring nine ice lotuses above her head. As the ice lotuses spun, they gradually weakened the power of the thunder.

Just as the fourth lightning bolt struck, a sudden change occurred—

The Thunder Mirror finally gave way and shattered into pieces with a "bang." Fu Molan remained calm in the face of danger, bit her tongue, and spat out a mouthful of blood essence. The blood mist condensed into mysterious runes in the air.

"Mysterious Netherworld True Qi!"

A burst of icy energy erupted instantly, forming a three-zhang-thick ice crystal barrier around her. The lightning tribulation struck the ice barrier, blasting it into countless ice shards, but ultimately failed to break through the defense.

In the shadows, a pair of golden vertical pupils quietly opened.

The Chaos Beast sat gracefully in the shadows, its tail swaying gently.

Whenever the aftershocks of thunder dissipate, it opens its mouth and gently inhales, swallowing the tribulation power that would have annihilated a Foundation Establishment cultivator like a swallow returning to its nest.

"It tastes good."

The Chaos Beast licked its paws, a hint of satisfaction flashing in its eyes.

These pure thunderous powers are transforming into surging demonic energy within its body.

The fifth and sixth lightning bolts fell in succession.

Fu Molan's ice armor was mostly broken, but her eyes remained clear. She took out a bright blue bead from her storage bag—this was her last trump card, the "Mysterious Ice Thunder Bead" bestowed upon her by Fu Changsheng.

"go!"

The lightning pearl shot into the sky and collided with the seventh lightning tribulation.

An astonishing scene unfolded—the Thunder Pearl was not destroyed; instead, it absorbed all the power of the thunder like a sponge, and then fed back a pure stream of ice-lightning power, which flowed into Fu Molan's crown chakra.

"ah--!"

Fu Molan let out a long howl, and her body burst with dazzling blue light.

The last two lightning bolts struck simultaneously, but were forcefully stopped by the Xuanming True Qi that suddenly surged from within her body. Ice and lightning achieved a delicate balance within her body, and the patterns on her golden core became increasingly clear.

Seeing this, the Chaos Beast finally stood up and elegantly stretched:

"I'll help you out because my master gave me this solemn request."

It suddenly opened its mouth, and a hazy gray beam of light arrived first, devouring the last remaining power of the lightning tribulation.

The clouds of calamity dispersed, and strange phenomena appeared in the sky.

A giant golden lotus bloomed above the Fu family's residence, with three mysterious patterns clearly visible on its petals—the very mark of a third-grade Golden Core cultivator!
"A third-grade Golden Core!" Fu Yongshang slammed his hand on the table in excitement, "Aunt Mo Lan actually possesses such talent!"

Fairy Tianyin gazed up at the golden lotus, her eyes filled with envy: "This one has the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage."

Liu Meizhen's eyes were filled with relief as she murmured to herself, "My husband was right; Mo Lan is indeed destined for greatness."

The Chaos Beast had returned to its original spot sometime earlier, lazily licking its paws.

It gazed in the direction of Fu Molan, a hint of appreciation flashing in its golden eyes: "A fine piece of material indeed, no wonder the master values ​​it so highly."

In the secret room, Fu Molan slowly got up.

As she felt the surging power of the Golden Core within her body, and the three-patterned Golden Core floating in her dantian, a smile couldn't help but appear on her usually composed face.

"Mother, can you see?" she whispered to the void, "Your daughter has truly... gone out."

...

...

The outer perimeter of Qinglei Mountain.

A short, blood-red figure crouched on a treetop, its scarlet eyes fixed on the distant Fu family's mountain gate.

It was the Blood Puppet Child who escaped from Fu Changsheng's clutches!

It was shrouded in a blood-red mist, its body was like that of a child, but its face was ferocious and terrifying, with its mouth split to the roots of its ears, revealing its fangs.

"Damn Fu Yongjing..." it cursed under its breath, its voice like sandpaper scraping, "For five whole years, he hasn't stepped out of the mountain gate once?"

Originally, it was ordered by its master to lurk near the Fu family, waiting for an opportunity to kidnap Fu Yongjing and seize the innate spiritual treasure within him. However, the Fu family was heavily guarded, and coupled with Fu Changsheng's terrifying combat power, it hesitated to make a move.

Now, witnessing firsthand the extraordinary phenomenon of the Golden Core above the Fu family and the rich aura surrounding the family's archway, it felt increasingly agitated.

"If this continues, the Fu family will eventually become a major threat to the far west..." it thought coldly, then chuckled, "But such a big matter is none of my concern."

"Never mind, it's more important to complete the master's important task." With a flash, it transformed into a bloody shadow and disappeared from the spot.
-
Lei family territory, in a secret room

Chief Lei was meditating with his eyes closed when suddenly his body stiffened, and he abruptly opened his eyes, staring in horror ahead—

A blood-red figure had appeared before him without him even noticing!

"Blood... Blood Puppet Lord?!" Clan Chief Lei's face turned deathly pale, his voice trembling. "You... why did you come in person? If the imperial court finds out..."

The Blood Puppet Child grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth: "Don't worry, no one will be able to detect my presence."

Clan Chief Lei broke out in a cold sweat, his heart filled with fear and trepidation.

Colluding with sects in the far west is a crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan!
The Blood Puppet Child spoke in a sinister tone: "Clan Chief Lei, the Blood Pool was destroyed by the Fu family last time. Now, the safest place is your Lei family's forbidden area, where we can rebuild one!"

Upon hearing this, Chief Lei's expression changed drastically, and he abruptly stood up: "No! Absolutely not!"

"If discovered, the evidence will be irrefutable! My Lei family will never have a chance to recover!"

A bloodthirsty glint flashed in the Blood Puppet Child's eyes, and his tone suddenly turned icy: "Clan Chief Lei, have you forgotten... who helped you break through to the Pseudo-Core Realm?"

Chief Lei trembled, his face turning even paler.

Blood Puppet Boy continued:
"If you refuse, then I will expose the Lei family's collusion with the Yin Kui Sect right now. What do you think... the imperial court will do to you then?"

Chief Lei's legs went weak, and he could barely stand.

Seeing this, the Blood Puppet Child's tone softened, becoming seductive:

"Of course, if you agree, once the blood pool is completed and the altar passage is opened, the avatar of the Blood Sovereign from the Upper Realm will descend, not only helping you rebuild your Dao foundation, but even..."

It grinned, revealing a sinister smile: "Making you achieve the Golden Core stage, or even the Nascent Soul stage, is a piece of cake!"

Chief Lei's breathing became rapid, and a look of struggle flashed in his eyes.

He has mediocre talent, and without external help, he will never be able to form a core in this lifetime!
But if we agree... and it gets out, our entire clan will be wiped out!

The Blood Puppet Child stared at him and said in a low voice, "Clan Chief Lei, you only have one chance."

Chief Lei remained silent for a long time, and finally, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

People are not killed for their own sake.

Besides, he had no choice in the matter.

"Okay... I promise you!"

Blood Puppet Boy smiled with satisfaction: "A wise choice."

Chief Lei took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, saying, "However, this matter must be kept secret; not a single word can leak out!"

The Blood Puppet Child smiled sinisterly: "Don't worry, I will personally set up the formation to ensure everything goes perfectly."

Chief Lei nodded, then asked in a low voice, "And... what about the offerings?"

The Blood Puppet Child's crimson eyes flashed: "The essence blood of mortals and cultivators is best, the more the better."

A ruthless glint flashed in Chief Lei's eyes: "I will arrange it personally."

……

Chief Lei led the Blood Puppet Child through layers of restrictions to the depths of the back mountain. This place was shrouded in mist year-round, and even members of the Lei family rarely set foot here.

The Blood Puppet Child's crimson eyes scanned its surroundings, finally settling on a spot where ley lines converged, and it nodded in satisfaction.

"Indeed, this place is rich in spiritual energy and has stable ley lines, making it perfect for building a blood pool altar."

With a wave of its hand, a blood-red array flew out from its sleeve, expanding in the wind to transform into a blood-red light curtain that blotted out the sky and enveloped the entire back mountain.

"Buzz——"

The moment the array diagram was lowered, the earth veins of the back mountain trembled, and faint blood-red runes appeared on the ground, but they were quickly covered by the Lei family's protective array, and the outside world could not detect anything unusual.

Chief Lei felt the chilling yet powerful fluctuations of the formation and was terrified: "What... what kind of formation is this?"

The Blood Puppet Child grinned: "A fifth-tier 'Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array'—even a Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't break it in a short time!"

Chief Lei was slightly relieved upon hearing this, but then worriedly asked, "But if this formation is maintained for a long time, won't it attract the attention of the imperial inspector?"

The Blood Puppet Child gave him a sinister look: "Don't worry, this formation is integrated with the Lei family's protective formation. Unless someone deliberately probes, they won't be able to detect it at all."

It paused, then added, "However, building the altar requires the assistance of cultivators skilled in runes. Go and summon all the rune makers in the clan."

Chief Lei's expression changed: "This... won't this leak out?"

The Blood Puppet Child scoffed, "Once they're within my formation's range, they can't even use communication talismans. What could they possibly leak?"

Chief Lei was still somewhat hesitant.

He feared that the other party would discard him after using him.

The Blood Puppet Child stared at him with crimson eyes, saying meaningfully, "Don't worry, after the Blood Lord descends, he'll need many subordinates to handle things. These talisman makers... might just find themselves in a fortuitous situation." Clan Chief Lei breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this: "Alright, I'll go arrange it right away."
-
After leaving the forbidden area, Chief Lei immediately used his clan leader's token to summon all the clan's talisman makers to the back mountain for a meeting.

"The clan chief has ordered that the runes in the forbidden area of ​​the back mountain need repair; all rune makers are to proceed immediately to assist!"

Although the clan's talisman makers were taken aback, they dared not disobey the clan leader's order and rushed to the back mountain.

Inside the library, an elderly man with white hair was organizing books. Upon hearing the order, a glint of light flashed in his cloudy eyes.

"Is the formation in the forbidden area of ​​the back mountain being repaired?"

He had a vague feeling that the clan chief's sudden summoning of talisman makers was probably suspicious!

But he did not act rashly; instead, he continued to tidy up the books, seemingly indifferent to everything.

He is waiting.

Once Chief Lei lowers his guard and things settle down, we'll find an opportunity to pass on the message.
-
Inside the forbidden area of ​​the back mountain, the Blood Puppet Child stood at the intersection of the earth's veins, directing the Lei family's talisman makers to set up the altar.

"The 'Blood-Guiding Talisman' must be inscribed here using blood essence as ink!"

"Set up a 'Spirit Gathering Array' here to ensure the altar has sufficient energy!"

Although the talisman makers were puzzled, they could only comply out of respect for the clan leader's authority. One of the older talisman makers couldn't help but ask, "Clan leader, what... exactly is this altar for?"

Clan Chief Lei's face darkened, and before he could speak, the Blood Puppet Child gave a sinister smile: "This is the ancient 'Spirit Gathering Altar,' which can help Lei family cultivators break through bottlenecks. It's a great opportunity for you!"

The talisman makers were skeptical, but seeing that the clan chief did not refute them, they could only continue to bury themselves in carving the runes.

Blood Puppet Child stood to the side, his scarlet eyes sweeping over the crowd, a slight smile playing on his lips.

...

...

Shiraha Island.

The sound of viscous liquid churning echoed in the obsidian chamber.

Mo Tianying's spine cracked painfully amidst the blood mist, and the raised blood lines on his skin writhed like living snakes. The skull of the child floating in the pool suddenly exploded, and a wisp of grayish-white soul was sucked into his mouth, instantly revealing another twisted ghost face tattoo on his chest.

"Nine hundred and ninety-eight," he counted hoarsely, his voice like two rusty blades rubbing together.

The seven lanterns made of human skin by the pond suddenly shook violently, casting the runes on the wall like writhing centipedes. When the last girl was dragged in by chains, tears still clung to her tender face.

“Father said the island lord is a good person.” The little girl trembled and stepped back, her bare feet touching a finger bone on the edge of the pool.

Mo Tianying grinned, revealing shark-like white teeth. The blood pool suddenly boiled, and nine blood snakes shot out, instantly coiling around the girl's limbs. As the first drop of blood fell into the pool, the entire secret chamber was suddenly filled with the screams of countless wronged souls.

"ah--!"

The girl's screams abruptly ceased. Her body swelled up like a water-filled balloon, finally exploding into a bloody mist with a "bang." Mo Tianying's pupils melted completely at that moment, turning into two writhing drops of blood.

as time flows.

A year has passed in the blink of an eye.

The blood pool had dried up, and the sealed room was filled with a nauseating stench.

Mo Tianying slowly opened his eyes, a blood-red light flashing in his pupils. He looked down at his hands—the surface of his skin was covered with strange blood-red patterns, flowing slowly as if they were alive.

"Congratulations, Island Master, on mastering your divine skill!"

Zhao Yuande knelt at the entrance of the secret chamber, his forehead pressed against the ground. Even from several meters away, he could still feel the suffocating pressure, and his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Mo Tianying ignored him and instead raised his hand and waved it lightly.

hum!
A beam of blood-red light shot out from his fingertip, instantly piercing through the thick stone wall and leaving a hole the size of a bowl.

"The effect is excellent, comparable to a Foundation Establishment stage strike!" Mo Tianying nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Zhao Yuande: "Get up. Has there been any unusual activity on Five-Colored Island this year?"

Zhao Yuande quickly scrambled to his feet and said obsequiously, "Reporting to the Island Lord, Five-Colored Island is holed up and hasn't even sent out a single fishing boat. They must be intimidated by the Island Lord's divine power and dare not make any rash moves!"

Mo Tianying frowned slightly: "Where is Shangguan Hongyu?"

"Still in seclusion." A hint of disdain flashed in Zhao Yuande's eyes. "My subordinates have been monitoring them day and night, but the island's protective array has never been lowered. They're clearly terrified of us."

Mo Tianying walked to the window and looked towards Five-Colored Island:

Are there any auctions on Nanshan Island recently?

Zhao Yuande was taken aback, then understood the island lord's intention: "A auction was held last month, and the auction list is here." He respectfully handed over a jade slip. "The young lady sent a message confirming that no one from Five-Colored Island participated in the bidding, not even for Foundation Establishment Pills."

Mo Tianying scanned the jade slip with his divine sense, and a smile finally appeared on his lips.

Nanshan Island is an island where the Purple Palace resides.

Her daughter is the concubine of the nineteenth son of the island lord of Nanshan Island, so her information must be accurate.

If Shangguan Hongyu is in seclusion trying to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, she would never let go of the Foundation Establishment Pill—in that case, Shangguan Hongyu would still be at the Qi Refining stage.

"Pass down the order: attack Five-Colored Island!"
-
The sea shimmered in the early morning light as the White Feather Island fleet cleaved through the waves. Twelve warships formed an arrowhead formation, their prows gleaming with a cold light. Mo Tianying stood at the bow of the flagship, his blood-red cloak fluttering in the wind.

"Island Master, we've arrived." Zhao Yuande pointed to the island shrouded in light in the distance, his eyes gleaming with greed.

Mo Tianying nodded slightly and waved his hand: "Set up the Heavenly Net Formation!"

At the command, the twelve warships quickly dispersed, each launching a blood-red battle flag that intertwined in the air to form a large net, completely surrounding Five-Colored Island.

"attack!"

The crimson net suddenly contracted, colliding with the protective array of Five-Colored Island, producing a deafening roar. The light curtain shook violently, and the five-colored crystals flickered erratically.

Inside the island, Xianyu stood on the array platform, her small hands tightly gripping the control array plate. Behind her were Alan and nine disciples, each with a solemn expression.

"Hold on!" Alan shouted encouragingly. "Master said this Five-Colored Smoke Formation can last for at least three hours!"

Before the words were finished, a loud bang rang out, and the crystal in the northeast corner suddenly shattered. A crack appeared in the light barrier, and crimson malevolent energy burrowed in like a venomous snake.

"Not good!" Xianyu bit her fingertip and dripped a drop of her blood essence into the array plate. The Xuan Turtle bloodline was activated, and the array temporarily stabilized, but her face had turned pale.

Alan looked at her with heartache: "Xianyu, don't push yourself."

"I can do it!" Xianyu stubbornly raised her head. "My aunt entrusted the island to me, and I must protect it!"

However, the gap in strength was ultimately insurmountable. Two hours later, with the explosion of the last array plate, the island's protective array shattered.

"Retreat! Retreat according to plan!" Alan picked up the weakened Xianyu and led everyone to quickly retreat towards the back mountain.

Mo Tianying stood at the bow of the ship, watching the routed people of Five-Colored Island, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. The victory had come too easily, which made him wary.

"Island Lord, I am willing to lead the vanguard in pursuit!" Zhao Yuande eagerly volunteered.

Mo Tianying pondered for a moment: "I will go personally. You take men to control the docks and the island lord's mansion, and be careful of ambushes."
-
In the dense forest behind the mountain, Alan led the group to hide in a cave.

"Xianyu, drink this." Alan took out a bottle of spiritual liquid and fed it to the weak Xianyu.

The little girl's face was deathly pale, but a stubborn light still shone in her eyes: "Auntie Alan, what do we do now?"

"Don't worry, we'll definitely be fine today." Alan's voice still carried a hint of uncertainty. She had just received a message from her master, instructing her to let Island Master Mo and the others into the island and lead them to the back mountain.

Through the gaps in the vines, one could see Mo Tianying leading more than ten cultivators searching the forest. The cultivators all had bloodshot eyes, clearly indicating they had practiced evil arts.

"Search! Search thoroughly!" Mo Tianying's voice grew louder as he approached. "Especially that little girl with both water and wood spiritual roots, she must be captured alive!"

Just now.

A clear, cold voice fell from mid-air, like a cold spring striking jade.

"Island Master Mo, are you in such a hurry to die?"

Mo Tianying suddenly looked up and saw a figure in pure white standing in mid-air. Shangguan Hongyu's clothes fluttered, her black hair cascaded down, and a three-foot-long green sword in her hand reflected the cold moonlight. With a light tap of her fingertips, four golden lights shot into the sky from the four corners of the mountain forest, instantly forming the Four Symbols Formation, sealing off the entire area.

"Shangguan Hongyu!" Mo Tianying's pupils constricted sharply. "Your cultivation level... Foundation Establishment! How is that possible? Without Foundation Establishment Pills, how could you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage?!"

Shangguan Hongyu landed gracefully, but gave a disdainful smile.

Mo Tianying was enraged by the contempt in the other party's eyes: "You wretch, do you think I have no backup plan? Today I'll show you the power of the Blood Fiend True Technique!"

Mo Tianying roared, and blood mist surged around him, transforming into nine ferocious blood pythons that lunged at Shangguan Hongyu with bared fangs and claws. Wherever the blood pythons passed, the air distorted, a stench filled the air, and even the ground was corroded, leaving scorched and blackened grooves.

Shangguan Hongyu's eyes turned cold. She turned her sword slightly, and crimson flames rose from the blade, transforming into a phantom of a fire phoenix that cried out to the heavens!

"burn!"

The phoenix spread its wings, and flames swept across the land. Nine blood pythons roared and struggled in the flames, eventually turning into foul-smelling black smoke and dissipating.

Mo Tianying's expression changed slightly, but he quickly grinned maliciously: "You dare to show off your mere fire magic in front of me?" He suddenly changed his hand seals, and the dense ghost face tattoos on his chest opened their blood-red eyes at the same time, emitting a piercing shriek!
Countless wronged souls burst forth from his body, transforming into a sky-covering ghostly shadow, its sharp claws clawing at Shangguan Hongyu.

Shangguan Hongyu snorted coldly, her sword stance suddenly changing, and her spiritual energy surged like a tide. Her left hand formed a hand seal, while her right hand traced a profound arc with the sword's edge. In an instant, the sword light multiplied into countless forms, like a cascading galaxy!

Wherever the blazing white sword light passed, the ghostly figures howled and scattered. Mo Tianying's chest was actually cleaved in several places by the ghostly face, and black blood spurted out!

The power of foundation building.

How could it be so strong!

Island Lord Mo was filled with shock and rage. He pushed the Blood Fiend True Technique to its limit, and the scales on his skin cracked inch by inch, turning into blood armor that covered his entire body. "I will kill you!"

His claws were like hooks, carrying a bloodthirsty aura that could corrode everything, as he pounced on the enemy with a frenzied attack!

Shangguan Hongyu's eyes narrowed, and she dodged like a phantom, each sword strike precisely targeting Mo Tianying's weak points. The two figures clashed, sword light and blood claws collided, sparks flew, and shockwaves surged, causing the entire mountain forest to tremble in the fierce battle!

In the heat of battle, Shangguan Hongyu suddenly changed her tactics, deliberately revealing an opening with a flick of her sword. Mo Tianying fell for the trap, laughing wildly as he reached for her throat: "Die!"

However, just as his bloody claws were about to touch her neck—

Shangguan Hongyu smiled slightly, and the spiritual seal that had been secretly gathering in her left hand suddenly struck out!

"Four Symbols Lock Spirit, Suppress!"

The Four Symbols Formation suddenly contracted, and four golden lights, like chains, bound Mo Tianying's limbs, imprisoning him tightly!

"You—!" Mo Tianying was horrified and struggled desperately, only to find that the bloodthirsty energy in his body was suppressed by the formation and its circulation was sluggish.

Shangguan Hongyu gave him no chance; her sword flashed like lightning, piercing straight for the ghost face tattoo on his heart!
"This sword is for those innocent souls who died by your hand!"

"Pfft!"

The sword pierced through his chest, and Mo Tianying looked down in disbelief at the gaping hole in his chest. The wronged souls he had devoured were now turning on him, tearing at his very soul!
"No...impossible...how could I..."

His body quickly withered and eventually turned into a skeleton before collapsing to the ground with a thud.

Shangguan Hongyu sheathed her sword, her robes fluttering, spotless. She glanced indifferently at Mo Tianying's remains, her eyes as cold as frost.

"Evil forces and heretics will ultimately be punished by Heaven."

In the distance, Xianyu and Alan arrived with the crowd. They were overjoyed to see that she was safe and sound.

"Auntie!" Xianyu rushed over, her little face full of admiration. "You're so amazing!"
-
Mo Tianying's corpse fell to the ground, the bloodthirsty aura dissipated, and the mountain forest was deathly silent.

The cultivators of White Feather Island stood frozen in place, staring at the figure in white robes, a chill creeping into their hearts.

Deputy Island Lord Zhao Yuande was the first to react, and he knelt down with a thud, his forehead hitting the ground heavily: "Island Lord Shangguan, spare our lives! We were all coerced by that old thief Mo, and we certainly did not willingly collude with him!"

The other cultivators, as if waking from a dream, dropped their magical artifacts and knelt in a throng, pleading, "We beg Island Master Shangguan for mercy!"

Shangguan Hongyu's eyes were cold as she lightly traced the blade of her sword with her fingertips, and said indifferently, "Oh? Then tell me, what use is there in sparing your lives?"

Zhao Yuande's eyes darted around, and he quickly said, "I am familiar with all the defensive formations on White Feather Island, know the secret passages of the warehouse, and even know the location of Old Thief Mo's private treasure vault!" He swallowed hard and added, "Moreover...moreover, the island's spiritual fields require special incantations for irrigation; without guidance, they will surely become wasteland within three years!"

"Anything else?" Shangguan Hongyu asked with a half-smile.

"And...and there's more..." Zhao Yuande broke out in a cold sweat, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "That old scoundrel Mo has a secret deal with the Blissful Merchant Guild, offering young boys and girls as tribute every year in exchange for resources! Only I know the specific contact details!"

With a flick of her sleeve, Shangguan Hongyu conjured up an ancient bronze mirror, its surface covered with blood-red runes.

"This is the 'Soul-Locking Mirror.'" She traced a drop of blood along the rim of the mirror, and a single drop fell into it. "Offer a wisp of your life essence, and your life and death will be in my hands. Those who are willing, step forward; those who are unwilling—"

The sword trembled slightly, and a flash of cold light appeared.

Without hesitation, Zhao Yuande bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the bronze mirror. The blood mist was swallowed by the mirror, and he immediately felt a tightness in his soul, as if invisible threads were binding his heart.

Seeing this, the other cultivators rushed to offer their essence blood.

The mirror was quickly stained dark red. Shangguan Hongyu made a hand seal to close the mirror. All the surrendered people trembled, sensing in their hearts that their lives were now in the hands of others.

……

The square in front of the White Feather Island Lord's Mansion was crowded with people.

Dressed in white, Shangguan Hongyu stood atop the high platform, the sea breeze ruffling her long hair, making her appear like an ethereal being descended to earth. Beside her, the deputy island lord, Zhao Yuande, stood bowing, his face full of flattery, while Xianyu looked around curiously, occasionally tiptoeing to peek at the crowd below.

"All cultivators and islanders of White Feather Island, heed my command!" Shangguan Hongyu's clear, cold voice resounded throughout the area. "From this day forward, White Feather Island is under the jurisdiction of Five-Colored Island. All cultivators on the island must abide by the new rules!"

With a light tap of her fingertip, a ray of light condensed into golden characters in mid-air, slowly unfolding—

【1. Cultivator Prohibitions】: It is forbidden to kill mortals indiscriminately or to engage in private fights. Violators will have their cultivation abolished and be expelled from the island.

[2. Spiritual Root Testing]: Any child of the islanders who is six years of age or older can go to the Spiritual Root Testing Platform to test their spiritual root. If they have the aptitude, they can enter the immortal sect to cultivate.

[3. Tax Adjustment]: The tax on fish catches and sacred fields will be reduced to 30%, with the remaining 70% going to the islanders.

[4. Policy for all residents]: All island residents can apply to reclaim wasteland. The first three years are tax-free, and from the fourth year onwards, a tax of 30% will be levied.

These words caused an instant uproar in the square!
"What?! Mortals can cultivate immortality?!"

"Taxes are only 30%? Island Lord Mo used to collect 70%!"

"Three years of tax exemption for reclaiming wasteland? This...this..."

Many of the ragged fishermen couldn't believe their ears and stood there stunned until the people around them nudged them, at which point they cheered as if they had just woken up from a dream.

"Lord Shangguan, your kindness is boundless!" An old fisherman knelt down, trembling, tears streaming down his face. "My grandson finally has the chance to cultivate immortality..."

Soon, the square was filled with people kneeling down, shouting in unison, "Greetings, Island Lord Shangguan!"

Shangguan Hongyu nodded slightly, then looked at Zhao Yuande: "Lead the way to the warehouse."

...

The storehouse on White Feather Island is located underground in the island lord's mansion, protected by three layers of restrictions. Zhao Yuande took out Mo Tianying's token and respectfully handed it to Shangguan Hongyu: "Island Lord, it needs to be activated with Mo Tianying's essence blood."

Shangguan Hongyu took the token, and a drop of blood fell from the bottle in her sleeve.

"Buzz——"

The stone gate slowly opened, and a rich spiritual energy rushed out.

Inside the warehouse, spirit stones were piled up like mountains, roughly estimated at least fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones. Spirit rice and spirit herbs were stored separately according to their categories.

Shangguan Hongyu was most concerned about Mo Tianying's secret treasure.

"Island Master, this way please."

Zhao Yuande, hunched over, led the way with a fawning expression. The island lord's token he held in his hands gleamed with a faint bloody light in the dim tunnel. Every three steps, he would turn back to check if Shangguan Hongyu was following, like an old dog afraid of being abandoned by its master.

Shangguan Hongyu walked with ease, her white dress remaining spotless on the damp stone steps. Her left hand rested lightly on Xianyu's shoulder, where the little girl was looking around with wide, round eyes, occasionally reaching out to touch the glowing fluorite on the wall.

"Auntie, can we eat those shiny stones?"

"That's fluorescent stone; eating it will give you a stomachache." Shangguan Hongyu flicked her finger, and a burst of spiritual energy stopped Xianyu's eager little hand.

The faint blood-red runes visible on the tunnel walls made her frown.

"It's a Blood Fiend Restriction!" Zhao Yuande hurriedly explained upon seeing this. "But don't worry, with the token, it's absolutely safe! Island Master Mo... ah, no, Old Thief Mo valued this secret room most highly in his lifetime. It's said to contain treasures he obtained from a severely injured Purple Mansion cultivator."

At the end of the tunnel was a massive bronze gate engraved with hideous ghost faces.

Zhao Yuande pressed the token onto the tongue of the central ghost head, and the tongue curled up and swallowed the token.

Rumble!
With a sickening metallic scraping sound, the giant door slowly opened.

A rich medicinal fragrance wafted over, causing Xianyu to sneeze suddenly. Shangguan Hongyu waved her sleeve, dispelling the stagnant air in front of the door, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

The secret room was not large, but its walls were inlaid with cold jade.

(End of this chapter)