Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 555 News from the Upper Realm, Promotion, Special Lottery
In the center of the secret chamber, on a lotus platform carved from cold jade, three jade boxes were quietly placed.

The first jade box was entirely emerald green, with its lid half-open, revealing a crystal-clear spiritual herb inside. Its leaves were as translucent as ice crystals, emanating a faint chill. Shangguan Hongyu's eyes narrowed slightly, and she lightly touched the leaves with her fingertips, whispering, "Mysterious Water Jade Marrow Grass... a fourth-grade spiritual herb that can repair hidden injuries to the meridians and rebuild one's foundation."

She glanced at the jade box; the little girl was standing on tiptoe, staring longingly at it, her little hands itching as if she wanted to touch the beautiful spiritual herbs.

"Want it?" Shangguan Hongyu's lips curled up slightly.

Xianyu nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling: "Auntie, it's so beautiful! It's like a water sculpture!"

"It can not only help you see, but also heal your injuries." Shangguan Hongyu gently rubbed the top of her head, her voice gentle. "When we get back, your aunt will help you refine it, and you won't have to suffer from the cold poison anymore."

Xianyu blinked, then suddenly hugged her arm and rubbed her face against hers: "Auntie is the best!"

Shangguan Hongyu chuckled, then turned her gaze to the second jade box.

The jade box was crimson red, its surface engraved with intricate flame patterns. Even before it was opened, a surge of intense spiritual energy emanated from it. With a flick of her finger, the lid opened with a click—

A fiery red fruit lay quietly inside, its surface faintly showing flowing golden lines, like surging lava.

"Crimson Flame Golden Pattern Fruit?!" Shangguan Hongyu's pupils shrank slightly, revealing a rare hint of shock.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuande quickly stepped forward and flattered, "Island Master has excellent eyesight! This spiritual fruit was obtained by that old thief Mo from a severely injured and unconscious cultivator. It is said that the cultivator was covered in blood, yet he could still stand in mid-air, so he must have been a powerful figure above the Purple Mansion Realm! Mo Tianying originally intended to kill him and steal the treasure, but as soon as he got close, he was blasted away by a protective spiritual light and almost lost half his life..."

He swallowed and continued:

"Later, the cultivator suddenly stopped breathing for some unknown reason, and only then did Mo Tianying dare to go forward and search. But apart from these two spiritual herbs, everything else was burned by the restrictions on the cultivator's body. He originally wanted to sell them, but he was afraid of attracting death, so he hid them here..."

Shangguan Hongyu's eyes were deep as she gently stroked the Crimson Flame Golden Pattern Fruit with her fingertips, feeling the surging fire-type spiritual power within it.

This fruit is a fourth-grade spiritual medicine, a treasure for fire spirit root cultivators. It can not only restore their cultivation, but also help them break through to the Golden Core stage!
A slight smile played on her lips; she already had a plan in mind.

"Zhao Yuande," she said calmly.

"Your subordinate is here!" Zhao Yuande immediately bowed, his forehead almost touching his knees.

What I have seen today must not be divulged.

"Yes, yes, yes! Your subordinate will absolutely keep your mouth shut!" He nodded repeatedly, wishing he could swear on the spot.

Shangguan Hongyu said no more, and with a flick of her sleeve, she put away the two jade boxes.

Xianyu tugged at her sleeve, tilted her little face up, and asked, "Auntie, are we rich now?"

Shangguan Hongyu chuckled and pinched her cheek: "Yes, this is truly an unexpected delight."

Her gaze fell on the third jade box, and a strange light flashed in Shangguan Hongyu's eyes.

Unlike the first two jade boxes, this third box was completely black with no patterns on its surface. At first glance, it seemed unremarkable. However, when she probed it with her divine sense, she felt an obscure and ancient restrictive force that silently swallowed her divine sense like an abyss.

She frowned slightly, gathered a wisp of spiritual energy at her fingertips, and gently touched the surface of the box—

"Buzz!"

Suddenly, countless golden runes appeared on the box, each rune flowing like a dragon, intertwining with each other to form an extremely complex restriction array! After staring at it for only a moment, Shangguan Hongyu felt her soul tremble slightly, as if she had been devoured by some invisible force, and she quickly withdrew her spiritual power.

“Ancient restrictions…” she murmured to herself, her eyes deep.

The profound mystery of this restriction far exceeded her comprehension. Even the high-level formations recorded in the Fu family's classic texts were not this complex. It would require at least the spiritual power of a Golden Core cultivator to possibly break it!
"Auntie, can't this black box be opened?" Xianyu leaned closer, curiously reaching out to touch it.

Shangguan Hongyu gently stopped her small hand and shook her head, saying, "Don't touch it, it's dangerous."

Xianyu withdrew her hand and stuck out her tongue: "Oh..."

Zhao Yuande, observing the situation closely, cautiously asked, "Island Master, is there something strange about this box?"

Shangguan Hongyu remained calm and said indifferently, "The restrictions on this item cannot be broken by anyone other than a Golden Core cultivator."

Zhao Yuande gasped and quickly took a half step back, as if the black box were some kind of monstrous beast.

Shangguan Hongyu stared at the black box, her mind churning with thoughts.

That mysterious cultivator was likely fatally wounded because of this item. For a powerful being at least at the Purple Mansion Realm to risk their life to protect it, and even seal it away with restrictions after death… the item in this box is no ordinary thing!
She pondered for a moment, then with a flick of her sleeve, she put the black box into her storage ring.

"This matter must not be mentioned again." She looked at Zhao Yuande, her tone calm but firm.

Zhao Yuande shuddered and quickly bowed, saying, "Your subordinate understands! What I saw today, I will keep to myself!"

Shangguan Hongyu nodded slightly, then took Xianyu's hand and turned to walk outside.

Xianyu skipped along, looking up and asking, "Auntie, where are we going next?"

“Back to Five-Colored Island.” Shangguan Hongyu’s lips curled slightly. “You should take your medicine.”

Xianyu's face fell: "Oh? I have to take that bitter medicine again..."

Shangguan Hongyu chuckled: "This time it's not bitter, it's sweet."

Xianyu's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"real."

Zhao Yuande followed behind, secretly relieved—it seemed his life was temporarily spared.

He secretly glanced at Shangguan Hongyu's profile and thought to himself: This new island lord not only looks like an immortal descended to earth, but is also incredibly powerful and has such incredible luck. Following her, perhaps... he can really live a better life than before.

...

...

Nanshan Island · Mo Mansion Villa

The night was deep, and the candlelight flickered.

Mo Yinyin leaned against the soft couch, one hand gently stroking her high, protruding belly, the other tightly clutching a secret letter, her knuckles white. The few words on the letter pierced her heart like a knife—

"The death of Island Master Mo and the change of ownership of Five-Colored Island were all the work of Shangguan Hongyu."

She slowly closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling slightly, and when she opened them again, her eyes were icy cold.

"Shangguan... Hongyu..." she whispered the name, her voice low and hoarse, filled with deep-seated hatred.

"Mother..."

A soft voice came from outside the door. Mo Yinyin looked up and saw her eldest daughter, Mo Qingwan, carefully walking in with a bowl of medicine to help prevent miscarriage.

Mo Qingwan was extremely beautiful, with skin as smooth as jade and eyebrows as beautiful as a painting. It was just a pity that there was always a hint of timidity in her eyes.

"Is the medicine ready?" Mo Yinyin asked calmly, her tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Yes, my daughter personally oversaw the cooking process, not daring to be careless in the slightest." Mo Qingwan handed over the medicine bowl with her head bowed.

Mo Yinyin took the medicine, took a small sip, and frowned slightly—it was extremely bitter. But she still drank it all in one gulp, after all, the baby in her womb was the foundation of her position in the Nanshan family.

"Mother, don't worry too much..." Mo Qingwan couldn't help but whisper to comfort her when she saw her gloomy expression, "Even if the First Madam..."

"Snapped!"

Mo Yinyin slammed the medicine bowl on the table, her cold eyes like knives, piercing Mo Qingwan.

"Who gave you permission to mention her?!"

Mo Qingwan trembled with fright and quickly knelt down: "Daughter, daughter just saw that Mother has been restless these past few days and was afraid that you would harm your health..."

Mo Yinyin sneered, her gaze falling on her daughter's face, which bore a striking resemblance to her own, but she felt only disgust.

--waste.

—He has a beautiful appearance but no spiritual roots. He went to great lengths and suffered a lot to get pregnant with her, but in the end, he wasted all her efforts and plans!
"Get up." Mo Yinyin suppressed her anger, her tone returning to calm. "Are you prepared for tonight's events?"

Mo Qingwan's face paled slightly, and she bit her lip: "Mother, daughter... daughter doesn't want to..."

"Don't want to?" Mo Yinyin narrowed her eyes, her voice suddenly turning cold and sharp. "Do you know who that Sixth Young Master Yu is? He has two spiritual roots and is a key member of the Yu family that they are grooming! If I hadn't gone to great lengths to intervene, do you think it would have been your turn?"

"But……"

"No buts!" Mo Yinyin interrupted her, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Since you have no spiritual root, you can only use this body to benefit the family. If you can conceive his child, perhaps you can give birth to an offspring with spiritual roots; otherwise—"

She gave a cold laugh, the unspoken meaning of which was self-evident.

Mo Qingwan's eyes reddened slightly, but she dared not refute, and could only whisper, "Daughter... understands."

Mo Yinyin nodded in satisfaction, reached out and stroked her hair, her tone softening slightly: "Wan'er, your mother is doing this for your own good. In this family of cultivators, without anyone to rely on, your future will only be more difficult."

Mo Qingwan lowered her eyes and softly hummed in agreement.

Mo Yinyin withdrew her hand, turned her gaze to the window, and a flash of murderous intent appeared in her eyes.

—Shangguan Hongyu…

—The hatred for the murderer of one's father is irreconcilable!

But for now, she couldn't act rashly. The first wife was watching her closely, and the child in her womb was not yet born; she had to be patient.

Once she has given birth to a child and established herself...

—That bitch must pay for her blood debt!
...

...

The system training room, in the lotus pavilion.

Fu Changsheng opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and bright, his powerful mid-stage Golden Core cultivation level energy surging through his meridians. He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, the aura of which lingered in the quiet room for several breaths before gradually dissipating.

At this moment, his realm had been completely solidified.

but.

He has no intention of leaving the pass.

"The Secret Technique of Fusion with Different Flames..." he muttered to himself, the complete cultivation method deduced by the system appearing in his mind.

This secret technique was originally incomplete and extremely risky, but after being supplemented by the system, not only was the fatal flaw of yin-yang imbalance resolved, but also protective techniques and auxiliary formations were added, increasing the success rate to over 50%.

“A 50% chance, worth a try.” Fu Changsheng’s eyes were firm.

He raised his hand and waved, and two beams of spiritual light flew out from his storage ring and hovered in front of him.

On the left was a ball of crimson flame, as red as blood. The moment it appeared, the temperature in the training room soared, the air distorted, as if even space itself was about to be scorched through. This was the Nine Yang Red Lotus Earth Core Flame, ranked forty-eighth on the list of strange flames. It was extremely yang and fierce, capable of burning mountains and boiling seas.

To the right was a cluster of ghostly blue ice flames, burning silently yet radiating a bone-chilling cold that froze even the surrounding spiritual energy into tiny ice crystals. This was the Xuanming Ice Flame, ranked thirty-second on the list of strange flames, extremely cold and yin, capable of freezing the very soul.

The two different types of fire have completely opposite attributes, one hot and one cold, one yang and one yin. They repel each other and are already fiercely clashing before they even get close, with ear-piercing explosions bursting in the air.

Fu Changsheng's expression was solemn. He formed hand seals and pushed the "Azure Emperor Longevity Technique" within his body to its limit. A faint azure halo appeared around his body, forming a protective aura.

"The foundation of chaos, harmonizing yin and yang!"

He let out a low shout, and the chaotic energy within his dantian slowly surged forth, like mist or gauze, wrapping around his hands. Chaotic energy is the primordial power from the beginning of heaven and earth, capable of harmonizing all things, and is the key to fusing with the strange fire.

Fu Changsheng took a deep breath, slowly brought his hands together, and squeezed the two balls of strange fire towards the middle.

"boom--!"

The moment the two flames touched, a violent energy erupted, and crimson and dark blue flames intertwined to form a destructive shockwave that slammed into the protective array of the training room, causing the entire space to tremble violently!
Fu Changsheng groaned, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but his hands continued their movements without pause. The chaotic energy acted as a glue, forcibly binding the two strange flames together. At the same time, following the secret technique deduced by the system, he used his divine sense as a guide to outline profound runes within the strange flames.

"Mysterious Yellow Body Protection, Suppress!"

His body surged with azure light, and a thick, dark yellow light shield appeared, isolating him from the raging strange fire energy. This was a new protective technique added by the system, specifically designed to counter the backlash from the strange fire.

However, the repulsive force of the strange fire far exceeded expectations. Even with the tempering effect of chaotic energy, the two extreme attributes were still fiercely clashing, like two ferocious beasts tearing and fighting. Fu Changsheng's consciousness was under immense pressure, veins bulging on his forehead, and cold sweat pouring down his face.

"Activate the Yin-Yang Heart Protection Formation!"

He bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood that transformed into crimson runes in the air, falling into the array already inscribed on the ground. Instantly, a black and white interwoven light screen rose up, enveloping him and the strange fire, the power of the array continuously suppressing the raging strange fire.

Time passed by minute by minute.

Fu Changsheng was completely focused, not daring to relax for a moment. His magical power was rapidly depleting, but the determination in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

at last.

Under the combined influence of the Yin-Yang Formation and the Chaos Qi, the conflict between the two strange flames gradually weakened, and they began to slowly merge. The crimson and dark blue flames intertwined, gradually transforming into a deep purple-gold flame, which quietly floated in Fu Changsheng's palm.

"It's done!" A look of joy flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

This purplish-gold flame is the new strange fire after fusion—the Purple Extreme Profound Fire!
It combines the ferocity of the Nine Yang Red Lotus Earth Core Flame with the extreme cold of the Xuanming Ice Flame. With the balance of Yin and Yang, its power far exceeds that of a single strange fire, making it worthy of ranking among the top twenty strange fires!
Fu Changsheng felt the power of the Purple Extreme Profound Fire and nodded in satisfaction. Although the process was dangerous, the gains were equally enormous. With the help of this strange fire, his combat strength would reach another level.

"Next, it's time to test its power..."

He put away the Purple Extreme Mystic Fire.

A thought.

After leaving the training room, he returned to the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space. He looked at the hourglass beside him. Ten years had passed outside since he went into seclusion, but for a cultivator, it was just a blink of an eye.

……

Fu Changsheng pushed open the door and stepped out. A gentle mountain breeze caressed his face, carrying the unique fragrance of medicinal herbs.

He gazed into the distance and saw a familiar figure squatting by the spirit field atop the mountain, gently touching a fluffy little beast with her delicate hand.

"Master has emerged from seclusion!"

As if sensing something, Qiu Niang suddenly turned around, her bright eyes sparkling with surprise. With a light touch of her toes, she gracefully arrived, her clothes fluttering, the silver bells in her hair tinkling.

Fu Changsheng nodded with a smile.

Qiu Niang had been in seclusion for thirty years, her spiritual energy solidified like mercury, and the aura of a pseudo-core cultivator was faintly visible. The Ice Flame Mystic Crystal Beast cub was clinging to the hem of her skirt, its snow-white fur flickering with eerie blue flames.

"Bingyan, stop fooling around." Qiu Niang bent down and picked up the little beast, lightly flicking its wet nose with her fingertips. The little guy took the opportunity to lick her fingers, its tail wagging happily.

"Second tier?" Fu Changsheng reached out and ruffled Bingyan's hair, and the little guy immediately rubbed against his palm affectionately. The temperature emanating from under the downy fur was quite peculiar; the left half of his body was as cool as jade, while the right half was as warm as charcoal.

Qiu Niang nodded with a smile: "It just broke through last year. Fei Yu said that once it reaches the third rank, it can awaken the bloodline supernatural power that catalyzes spiritual plants." As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something and poured out a few crystal-clear spiritual fruits from the brocade pouch at her waist. "Master, try these. These are ice crystal pears that Bing Yan froze for me with his cold energy."

Fu Changsheng took a bite, and the sweet juice burst in his mouth, even carrying a trace of spiritual energy. He raised an eyebrow at the little guy who was tilting his head to look at him expectantly, and chuckled, "You're quite cleverer than your father."

A clear, melodious cry echoed from the mountaintop. A feathered beast soared through the sea of ​​clouds, a lively, wriggling silver-scaled fish clutched in its claws. Seeing its master emerge from seclusion, it hastily released its grip, and the large fish plummeted straight towards the spirit field—

"Stupid bird!" A white ribbon flew out from Qiu Niang's sleeve, just managing to wrap around the fish's tail. Bing Yan seized the opportunity to pounce and hold down the fish's head, but was slapped and knocked over by the fish's tail.

Fu Changsheng laughed loudly and swept his sleeves to separate the chaotic spirit pets.

"chirp"

The feathered beast excitedly flapped its wings.

Qiu Niang, standing to the side, added with a smile:

"Master, this silly bird says he's going to catch a big fish to celebrate your great increase in power."

Fu Changsheng was thinking of what to say.

Suddenly.

His expression changed.

With a thought, Fu Changsheng was already standing inside the Mountain and River Town Clan Cauldron, his gaze fixed on the leaf on the Message Tree that was glowing with a faint light.

The once vibrant green leaves now displayed dark red veins, like spreading blood vessels. Then, an ancient character slowly emerged, its strokes vigorous and exuding a chilling aura:
"The Demon Realm is about to open, and within six hundred years, it will launch a massive invasion of lower realms."

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly, his heart trembling.

"A lower-level realm?" he muttered to himself, his brow furrowed. The cultivation world was vast and boundless, yet in this message, it was merely one of many lower-level realms?

What astonished him even more was—how could the Demon Realm descend to the lower realm? The laws of Heaven are strict; cultivators from the upper realm would face immense restrictions if they wished to descend, otherwise the cultivation world would have long been trampled upon by powerful beings. Yet this news seemed like some kind of prophecy, certain that a demonic calamity would descend within six hundred years!

He immediately reached out and touched the message leaf, using his divine sense to inquire:

"How did the demon realm descend? Is there any way to stop it?"

However, Ye remained silent for a long time without any response.

Just when Fu Changsheng thought he would not receive another reply, the words on the leaf suddenly reappeared. This time, the handwriting was more hurried, and even carried a hint of warning:

Those in the lower realms have only two paths to take—

"Firstly, cultivate to the Nascent Soul stage within six hundred years, then seek the path to ascension and enter the Spirit Realm."

"Secondly, locate interface nodes and navigate to medium or high-level interfaces."

"Inferior interfaces have been abandoned by the righteous path."

The last line of text struck Fu Changsheng's heart like a heavy hammer blow.

"The invasion of the demon realm is a foregone conclusion."

Fu Changsheng's eyes suddenly turned cold, and countless thoughts surged in his mind.

“Give up the lower realm?” He sneered, his eyes filled with chilling intent.

If that's the case, then how is this so-called "righteous path" any different from the demonic path?

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and once again used his divine sense to inscribe the message into the leaf:
"Do you have more detailed information? The method of the demonic invasion? The location of the interface nodes?"

However, this time, the news completely died down, with no further response.

Fu Changsheng remained silent for a moment, then slowly withdrew his hand.

He knew that the source of this message was probably extraordinary. Perhaps it was a warning left by a powerful being from the upper realm, or perhaps it was the result of some celestial deduction. But in any case, within six hundred years, the cultivation world would inevitably face a catastrophe!
"Six hundred years..." he murmured, his eyes gleaming.

For an ordinary cultivator, reaching the Nascent Soul stage within six hundred years is virtually impossible. But for him—

There might still be a chance! He turned around, took a step out of the Mountain and River Clan Cauldron, and his figure reappeared on the summit of Mount Ling.

Qiu Niang was holding and playing with Bing Yan when he suddenly disappeared and reappeared. Her expression turned serious, and she asked worriedly, "Master, what's wrong?"

Fu Changsheng gazed intently at the sky and slowly said:

"The cultivation world is about to descend into chaos."

at the same time.

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

"Your clansman Mo Lan has reached the Core Formation stage and has been granted a special lottery opportunity. Would you like to redeem it?"

Fu Changsheng returned to the small wooden house, focusing his thoughts on the panel in his mind's eye:

"Redeem your prize for a special draw!"

hum-

The golden light on the panel suddenly surged, transforming into countless tiny runes. These runes collided and recombine, eventually coalescing into a giant holographic wheel. The wheel was divided into dozens of squares, each containing the vague outlines of different treasures: magical artifacts shimmering with spiritual light, ancient jade slips, and even several pills exuding a rich medicinal fragrance.

Fu Changsheng activated the [Hope Gu] within his body, his gaze fixed on the rapidly spinning roulette wheel.

"Hopefully I'll draw something useful?"

The roulette wheel gradually slowed down, and finally, the pointer stopped on a square that shimmered with a reddish-gold light.

next moment.

A new token, entirely made of pure gold, appeared in the storage bag. The token's surface was engraved with intricate array patterns, and a dark red crystal was inlaid in the center, with faint flame patterns flowing around it.

"This is……?"

Fu Changsheng raised an eyebrow. He could feel the intense heat emanating from the token, as if it were sealing a violent power.

He reached out and took out the token; the instant his fingertips touched it—

boom!
A burst of scorching heat suddenly erupted, causing the temperature of the entire cabin to rise abruptly, even distorting the air slightly. The array patterns on the token lit up, and magma seemed to surge within the dark red crystal, releasing an ancient and domineering aura.

At the same time, a message flooded into my mind:
[The Order to Burn Heaven]

【Origin: Refined by an ancient fire-cultivating master, containing a wisp of Heaven-Burning Flame Essence】

【effect:】

1. Can summon the "Burning Heaven Fire Spirit" to assist in battle (early Golden Core stage strength, lasts for one incense stick's time).

Second, it can activate the "Burning Heaven Flame Domain" to form a fire-based domain.

Third, the token contains a fragment of the "Burning Heaven Technique" (only cultivators with fire spiritual roots can comprehend it).
[Restriction: Each use requires replenishing the fire power with fire-type spiritual materials; can only be given to a Daoist partner]

A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, and he was secretly delighted.

"This item would be suitable for Hongyu and Meizhen!"

Hongyu primarily cultivates fire-based techniques; with this token's assistance, her combat power will undoubtedly increase significantly. Moreover, the fragment of the "Burning Heaven Technique" hidden within the token might even help her break through her bottleneck and reach the Golden Core stage.

but.

Red jade is in the South China Sea.

The Tianyin tribe has not yet been conquered, and finding the Red Jade will not be possible in a short time. It is more suitable to leave this item to Meizhen, who has already broken through to the Golden Core stage and can better utilize the power of this treasure.

As he pondered this, he suddenly noticed something unusual about the array patterns on the back of the token—there was a line of fine ancient seal script engraved there:

"The Fiery Hell appears, the Heavenly Incineration begins."

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly, vaguely sensing that these six words seemed to contain a hidden meaning.

"Could it be... that this token is connected to some secret?"

Keep the token safe.

With a thought, Fu Changsheng withdrew from the Five Elements Space and appeared in the secluded cultivation chamber: "After ten years of seclusion, it's time to come out."

With a flick of his sleeve.

The magic array in the secret chamber was then activated.

Fu Changsheng pushed open the stone door to the secret chamber, and a ray of morning light slanted down, illuminating his handsome face. He took a deep breath of the mountain's spiritual energy, a slight smile playing on his lips. After ten years of seclusion, he had finally reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

"Husband."

A clear, melodious voice rang out, and there stood Liu Meizhen, dressed in a simple white dress, beneath a pine tree. Her eyes were smiling, and a jade hairpin swayed gently in her hair. The morning light cast a soft glow on her features.

"Congratulations on your breakthrough to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, my husband." She gave a graceful bow, her eyes filled with joy.

Fu Changsheng stepped forward, took her hand, and said gently, "You've had a tough time all these years."

Liu Meizhen smiled and shook her head: "It is my husband who is in seclusion and working hard. I am just taking care of some trivial matters."

The two walked hand in hand down the mountain along the stone path. Liu Meizhen recounted the changes over the years, while Fu Changsheng listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

Upon reaching the council hall, Liu Meizhen suddenly said solemnly, "Husband, there are a few important matters to report."

The air was filled with the sweet scent of sandalwood.

"Firstly, Mo Lan formed a third-grade golden core three years ago." A hint of relief flashed in her eyes. "When she formed the core, it also triggered a celestial phenomenon. She is currently stabilizing her realm."

Fu Changsheng laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Excellent! My Fu family has gained another Golden Core cultivator. Let's raise a toast!"

The system has already given a notification that the Ink Orchid has formed its core.

What he didn't expect was that Mo Lan was a third-grade Golden Core cultivator.

after all.

Mo Lan has never taken the Xuanhuang Lingdan.

Liu Meizhen smiled and continued, "Secondly, Yongshang has joined forces with eight prominent families in Wuzhou to establish the Wuzhou Chamber of Commerce. Except for the Lei family, all the other families have joined."

With a flick of her finger, brilliant text appeared, revealing the detailed structure of the chamber of commerce.

"The Chamber of Commerce is headed by my Fu family, which holds 40% of the shares. It has three main branches, which are in charge of trade, transportation, and intelligence." Liu Meizhen's eyes flashed with approval. "Yongshang is very capable. In just a few years, the Chamber of Commerce's profits have quadrupled."

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Yongshang has always been shrewd, and this matter was handled beautifully. However..." His gaze sharpened, "How has the Lei family been in recent years?"

"Before my husband went into seclusion, the Lei family, led by the eldest elder and Lei Yunfeng, had already separated and lived separately. Strangely enough, the main branch of the Lei family has stopped interacting with the Seventh Prince's Mansion in recent years. I have already ordered people to keep an eye on this."

The Seventh Prince's Mansion is the Lei family's backer.

Chief Lei and the Seventh Prince are cousins.

The Lei family's move was very strange.
Fu Changsheng sneered: "The fact that Lei Yunfeng's branch passed by means that he has sensed something. The main branch of the Lei family is probably planning something big, and he has Yongrui closely monitoring the every move of the main branch of the Lei family."

Liu Meizhen nodded, her expression turning sorrowful: "Thirdly, Chang Lei disappeared while on a mission at Zhenmo Pass."

Fu Changsheng abruptly stood up, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "When did this happen?"

"Six months ago," Liu Meizhen said, a worried look creeping across her face, "he led a patrol along the border when they were ambushed by demonic cultivators. After the battle, when they took stock, he was the only one missing. Even the Nascent Soul True Monarchs of Zhenmo Pass were mobilized to search for him, but there was no trace of him."

Chang Lei is definitely out of danger.

Otherwise, he would have noticed it himself.

Fu Changsheng was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Chang Lei is a steady person and would never take risks rashly. This matter is strange. I will investigate it personally after I finish my current duties."

Fu Changsheng took out the crimson gold token from his storage ring. The token shone brightly in the morning light, and the flame patterns inside the dark red crystal seemed to be alive.

"Meizhen, this is for you." He handed the token to Liu Meizhen.

Liu Meizhen's eyes flickered slightly, and the instant her delicate hand received the token—

"boom!"

A surge of intense spiritual energy erupted from the token, instantly enveloping her in crimson-gold flames. Her hair moved without wind, and her robes fluttered in the breeze. Yet, the flames did not harm her in the slightest; instead, they flowed into her meridians like a gentle stream.

“This is…” Her pupils contracted slightly as she sensed the ancient power contained within the token.

"The Heaven-Burning Decree," Fu Changsheng explained gently, "is an ancient treasure for fire cultivators, containing a fragment of the 'Heaven-Burning Technique,' perfectly suited to your cultivation method."

Liu Meizhen gently stroked the array patterns on the surface of the token with her fingertips. When she touched the six ancient seal characters "Infernal Prison Appears, Heaven Burns" she suddenly felt a jolt in her soul, and a vision of a vast sea of ​​fire appeared before her eyes.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and looked up with composure: "My husband, this is far too precious."

Fu Changsheng smiled and waved his hand, "We are Daoist partners, why should we distinguish between each other?" He then took her hand, "Come, I'll help you refine it."

Inside the sealed chamber, crimson flames illuminated the entire space, making it resemble a furnace.

Liu Meizhen sat cross-legged in the center, the Burning Heaven Token floating in front of her, with streaks of fire connecting her to the token. Fu Changsheng stood behind her, his palms lightly pressed against her back, his powerful magic continuously flowing into her body.

"Concentrate your mind and calm your spirit, then guide the fire into your elixir," he said in a deep voice.

Liu Meizhen made hand seals, her golden core spinning rapidly within her dantian, refining the surging flame spiritual energy bit by bit. As time passed, her aura steadily increased, and a flame pattern gradually appeared between her brows.

Three months later.

"Buzz——"

The Heaven-Burning Decree suddenly emitted a clear sound, transforming into a stream of light that entered Liu Meizhen's brow. Her aura exploded, the temperature inside the secret chamber soared, and the jade bricks on the floor even showed signs of melting!

"The second level of the Golden Core has been achieved naturally." Fu Changsheng stood up, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Liu Meizhen slowly opened her eyes, a flash of crimson-gold light disappearing from them. When she stood up, her entire demeanor was completely different—her original gentleness mixed with authority had been replaced by a sharper, more piercing edge.

"Thank you, my husband." She bowed solemnly, then smiled broadly. "This 'Burning Heaven Technique' is indeed profound. I only just glimpsed a trace of its true meaning, and it directly broke through my bottleneck."

Fu Changsheng reached out and wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling, "This item is destined for you."

Liu Meizhen's expression suddenly shifted, and she flipped her hand to take out the token: "Husband, when I was refining it, I sensed that the six characters 'Infernal Prison Appears, Heaven's Demise Begins' seem to point to a certain place."

"Oh?" Fu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

"It's located within Wuzhou's borders." Her eyes shone brightly. "Once I fully comprehend the remaining fragments, perhaps I can explore the truth."

Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "This matter is not urgent. You should stabilize your cultivation level first."

He has been in seclusion for many years.

He also needed to return to the Zhenshi Division to find out about Chang Lei's situation at Zhenmo Pass.

...

...

The main branch of the Lei family.

As night deepened, only a single lamp burned dimly inside the Sutra Repository.

The white-haired old man—Lei Xuance, a fourth-tier array master of the Lei family who had been living in seclusion for many years—was writing furiously at his desk, transcribing all the information from a jade slip. His fingertips trembled slightly, but his eyes were cold and solemn.

"The forbidden area behind the mountain... the Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array... the far west..."

He murmured softly, each word seeming to weigh a ton.

For ten years, one after another, the talisman array masters of the Lei family's main lineage were transferred to the forbidden area in the back mountains, but they never appeared again. Those clansmen whose lives were nearing their end, whether cultivators or mortals, were all taken to the forbidden area under the pretext of "life-extending secret methods," and then disappeared without a trace. He had secretly asked an old friend to pretend to answer the summons in an attempt to deliver a message, but after that person stepped into the forbidden area, he vanished without a trace, like a clay ox disappearing into the sea.

"Something's wrong...something's so wrong..."

Lei Xuance took a deep breath, and lightly traced a line on the table with his fingertip. A barely perceptible flash of spiritual light appeared on the table, and a phantom array pattern emerged—the outline of the forbidden area array in the back mountain that he had secretly observed.

"Fifth-tier 'Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array'..."

His pupils contracted slightly. This kind of formation required special materials, and only the Demonic Sect in the far west had the ability to refine it! There was absolutely no way the Lei family could have set it up on their own!
"What exactly is the clan leader plotting?"

He had a vague sense of foreboding; if this matter were exposed, the Lei family would be doomed!
We can't wait any longer!

He abruptly stood up, and with a flick of his sleeve, wiped away all traces on the table. Then, he took out an ancient jade talisman from a hidden compartment, gently stroking it, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"The branch...we must notify the branch as soon as possible!"

With a flash, he transformed into a shadowy figure, silently passing through the restrictions of the Scripture Pavilion and disappearing into the night.
-
Lei family branch
At dawn, Lei Xuance's figure quietly appeared outside the branch mountain gate.

Instead of barging in directly, he took out a communication talisman, whispered a few words, and then the talisman transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into the mountain gate formation.

Before long, a figure hurried over – it was the branch elder.

"Brother Xuan Ce?!" The Grand Elder's expression changed drastically upon seeing the newcomer. "Why are you here? What's going on with the main branch..."

Lei Xuance raised his hand to stop him, and said in a deep voice, "Let's go inside and talk."

The Grand Elder understood and immediately led him into the secret chamber, while activating the soundproof barrier.

"Something has happened to the main branch." Lei Xuance got straight to the point, his voice low and heavy.

The Grand Elder frowned: "What is it?"

Lei Xuance handed him the jade slip: "Read it yourself."

The Grand Elder took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and his face instantly turned ashen.

"The forbidden area behind the mountain... the Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array... the far west?!"

He looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with horror: "Has the clan leader gone mad?! Colluding with the far west is a crime punishable by the extermination of the entire clan!"

Lei Xuance sneered: "He's not only gone mad, but he's also planning to completely close the mountain gates and isolate himself from the outside world."

The Grand Elder's breathing quickened, his fingers gripping the jade slip tightly: "No wonder...no wonder the main branch has been acting mysteriously all these years, with talisman masters disappearing one after another..."

He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the secret room, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

"No! This matter must be dealt with as soon as possible!"

Lei Xuance's gaze deepened: "What do you plan to do?"

The Grand Elder stopped in his tracks, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "To uphold justice even at the cost of family ties!"

"What?!" Lei Xuance frowned.

The Grand Elder said in a deep voice, "If the main branch colludes with the far west, the imperial court will surely punish the entire clan! Although our branch has long since severed ties, sharing the same surname Lei is an original sin!"

He took a deep breath and continued, "The only way to break this deadlock is to report it before the court notices!"

Lei Xuance was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "...You're right."

The elder's eyes gleamed: "We must find someone of sufficient influence to both intimidate the court and ensure the safety of our branch."

“You mean…” Lei Xuance’s eyes flickered slightly.

“Fu Changsheng!” the First Elder said decisively. “He is a sixth-rank Imperial Inspector, and he has the right and obligation to supervise aristocratic families. Moreover, Fu Changsheng is the most loyal and righteous. Our branch has essentially given him a great service this time, and he will definitely be grateful for it! Without further ado, I will go find Yunfeng now.”

……

At the summit of the main peak of the Lei family branch, a tall and straight figure stood quietly on a boulder; it was Lei Yunfeng.

"Yunfeng!" The First Elder strode forward, his voice low and urgent.

Lei Yunfeng turned around and saw that it was the Grand Elder. He nodded slightly and asked, "Uncle Wanhe, what brings you in such a hurry?"

The Grand Elder briefly recounted the whole story.

the end.

He said in a deep voice:
"Yunfeng, you must personally go to the Fu family and request an audience with Fu Changsheng!"

Lei Yunfeng frowned slightly: "I'm afraid it's not possible now. Yunxiao's tribulation is approaching, and I need to protect him."

So fast? !

The Grand Elder was both surprised and delighted.

Yunxiao is the most talented disciple in the branch in recent years. He is currently in seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage. If he succeeds, the branch will have another Golden Core cultivator, greatly increasing its strength!

Lei Yunfeng continued, "Besides, if I go to the Fu family in person, I'll be too conspicuous and might alert them. Uncle Wanhe, why don't you go to the Fu family on my behalf? Take my sword seal with you, and Fu Changsheng will understand the weight of your words."

Upon receiving the jade talisman, the Grand Elder felt a chill in his palm, and a sharp sword intent faintly emanated from it, causing his soul to tremble slightly.

The Grand Elder took a deep breath and solemnly accepted the jade talisman: "Alright, I'll set off immediately!"

Lei Yunfeng nodded and added, "Be careful on this trip. If the main branch notices anything unusual, they will stop us at all costs."

The elder sneered, "Don't worry, although my cultivation is lacking, I still have the ability to escape."

He turned to leave, but then stopped and looked back at Lei Yunfeng: "How confident are you that Yunxiao will achieve Core Formation this time?"

Lei Yunfeng's eyes flickered slightly, and he said softly, "Seventy percent."

"Seventy percent..." the Grand Elder murmured, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, "That's enough."

Without another word, he leaped into the air and vanished into the night as a streak of light.

Lei Yunfeng watched him leave, then raised his head to look at the increasingly low-hanging tribulation clouds, his eyes filled with a chilling sword intent.

"Yunxiao, focus on your tribulation." He murmured to himself, "If any external enemies come, I will block them with my sword."

Before the words were even finished, a blinding bolt of lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, tearing the night sky apart!

(End of this chapter)