Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 556 Internal Strife, Demon Lord Descends, One Battle Leads to Fame

Deep within the forbidden area of ​​the Lei family's main branch in the back mountains.

An altar entirely constructed of dark red crystals was trembling violently, and the gushing viscous blood mist was almost solidified, engulfing most of the ferocious three-headed, six-armed demonic statue in the center.

At the heart of the golem, an embryonic sarcoma, bound by countless blood-red chains, throbbed wildly, as strong and powerful as a heart, radiating a terrifying pressure that sent shivers down one's spine, foreshadowing the imminent completion of some being's birth.

On the altar.

The Blood Puppet Child's short body seemed to merge with the altar. He greedily inhaled the almost liquefied blood energy, and a sickly flush and ecstasy appeared on his withered face.

Success is just around the corner!
at this time.

A trusted elder scrambled into the forbidden area, not even having time to bow to the Blood Puppet Child, before reporting in terror to Lei Tianming:
"Clan leader! Something terrible has happened! Lei Xuance of the Scripture Pavilion... has disappeared! The disciples on duty didn't notice anything, and there's no sign of the restrictions being activated!"

Upon hearing this, Lei Tianming's face drained of all color in an instant, and he subconsciously looked at the Blood Puppet Child.

"Fool! You're only panicking now? That old bastard must have sensed something was wrong and sneaked off to report to the branch family!"

The Blood Puppet Child spoke rapidly and with crystal-clear thinking: "Lei Tianming, obey my command!"

"First! Immediately, completely seal off the main branch gate!"
"Activate the highest-level 'Blood Reversal Heaven-Overturning Array'! No one is allowed to enter or leave; sever all internal and external communication! Even a single messenger ant will be crushed by this child!"

"Second! Immediately send a message to our 'spies' planted near the branch family, and tell them to keep a close watch on all the exits of the branch family!"
Anyone attempting to leave, especially towards the Fu family or Zhenshi Division, is to be killed without permission! Better to kill the innocent than let one guilty person go free!

"Third! The altar is at its final stage and cannot be lost!"

Throw all remaining 'reserve resources' from the dungeon into the altar to help the demon seed complete its final transformation! Quickly!

His orders came one after another, ruthless and decisive, without the slightest hesitation, instantly plugging all possible loopholes. The mental fortitude and ruthlessness he displayed were far beyond what Lei Tianming could match.

Lei Tianming was stunned by this series of orders; his mind couldn't keep up, and he felt like the sky was about to fall. He could only stammer:
"...Complete...complete lockdown? What if...what if the World-Suppressing Division..."

"Nothing unexpected!"

The Blood Puppet Child interrupted sharply, his face full of mockery and impatience:
"Are you scared now?"

You should have thought of this day long ago, when you chose to cooperate with my far western land!

If we retreat now, we will both perish, body and soul!
Do as I say right now!

Completing the sacrifice and drawing upon the power of the Demon Lord is our only way to survive, and it is also your Lei family's... no, your Lei Tianming's only chance to reach the pinnacle!

Unless you want to die!

The last four words, like poisoned ice picks, pierced deeply into Lei Tianming's fearful heart.

Lei Tianming shuddered, the fear of being annihilated instantly overwhelming everything else.

Yes, he has no way out!

A ruthless look of extreme selfishness flashed across his face. He didn't care about anything else, just to save his own life and his so-called "future"!

"Yes! Yes! Your subordinate obeys! I'll do it right away! I'll do it right away!" He practically scrambled to his feet and hysterically roared at the elder, "Did you hear the envoy's order?! Go now! Carry it out immediately! Anyone who dares to delay, I'll fill the altar with their own flesh first!"

Watching Lei Tianming's disheveled figure scrambling out to deliver the order, a hint of extreme contempt flashed in the Blood Puppet Child's eyes.

"Trash is trash..."

He muttered a curse under his breath, then turned his gaze back to the increasingly violently throbbing demonic seed, greed and fanaticism once again taking over his eyes.

"But it's all for the best. The more incompetent the puppet, the easier it is to use... As long as we can get through this final moment..."

...

...

Elder Lei Wanhe transformed into an inconspicuous gray streak and silently slipped out of the branch mountain gate. His movement was not extremely fast, but it blended perfectly into the night sky and mountains, like a natural evening breeze, leaving no trace.

however.

Just a hundred miles from the branch territory, at the edge of a "Forest of Withered Bones" shrouded in perpetual gloom and dark mist, he paused slightly, letting out a sigh:
"Sure enough, he still came."

He did not accelerate, but instead slowly stopped his escape light, standing on a withered ironwood branch, his robe sleeves fluttering in the night wind, his gaze calmly looking down at the rolling mist.

“Sigh… Come out, all of you. Xuan Sha, we have known each other for four hundred and seventy years, entered the Dao together, and served our families together until now. Why hide yourselves and use this ‘Netherworld Binding Spirit Chain’ against your old friend?” Lei Wanhe’s voice was old but steady, with a hint of barely perceptible regret.

The fog churned, and four figures appeared.

Leading the group was Lei Xuansha, a peak-level Pseudo-Core Realm elder from the main branch.

With a complex expression, he pulled off his mask, revealing a face as weathered as Lei Wanhe's, but his eyes were sharp and cold, carrying a hint of embarrassment at being seen through. The other three late-stage Purple Mansion cultivators remained expressionless, forming a perimeter.

“Brother Wanhe, now that you recognize me, it’s easier to talk.” Lei Xuansha’s voice was hoarse. “Stop. Come back to the main branch with me. The clan leader has ordered that no one is allowed to leave the mountain without permission. What is your purpose in going to the Fu family now? Don’t ruin your own plans and destroy the clan’s grand scheme!”

"Family plans?"

Lei Wanhe slowly shook his head, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Lei Xuansha:

"Xuan Sha, do you really not know what kind of 'grand plan' is taking place in the forbidden area behind the mountain? Do you really not feel the increasingly dense aura of bloodlust? Do you really think that colluding with the demonic path of the far west to set up that heinous 'Bloodlust Sky-Covering Array' and sacrificing the flesh and souls of your clansmen is to glorify the Lei family?!"

With each question he asked, his voice rose a notch, carrying an undeniable authority and heartache.

Lei Xuansha's expression changed slightly, a barely perceptible wavering flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an even stronger obsession, and he said sternly:

"Shut up! The patriarch's plans are far-sighted, how could you presume to fathom them! This is a heaven-sent opportunity for the rise of the family! Once the divine skill is completed, my Lei family will become the next ten-thousand-year-old aristocratic family, even able to stand on equal footing with the Seven Princes' Mansion! At that time, you and I will all be heroes! Those sacrifices... are the necessary price!"

"The necessary cost?"

Lei Wanhe gave a bitter smile:
"Using the lives and souls of our own sons as the price?"

Xuan Sha, wake up!
The Prince's Mansion? Do you really think the Seventh Prince would condone such demonic acts? The first thing the imperial court will do to annihilate my Lei family and set the record straight is to punish me! This is not a rise to power, but self-destruction, dragging the entire clan into an abyss of no return!
If you turn back now and join me in exposing this matter, we can still preserve our branch of the family and leave behind a trace of our bloodline and a clean reputation for the Lei family!

"You're the one who's stubborn and inflexible!" Lei Xuansha roared, as if his most sensitive nerve had been pricked. "The clan leader has already received the tacit approval of the Seventh Prince! We are relatives of the royal family, and we know how to act! Your branch has always been cowardly and conservative, and will only drag the clan down! Wanhe, I'll give you one last chance: surrender and come back with me to apologize to the clan leader!"

Looking into his eyes, which were completely blinded by lust for power and delusion, Lei Wanhe knew that further words would be useless. The last trace of warmth in his eyes dissipated, turning into a deep coldness and determination.

"Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Since you are determined to be the eternal sinner of the Lei family, then... don't blame me for cleaning up the house."

"Attack!" Seeing his resolute attitude, Lei Xuansha no longer hesitated. He shouted and activated the Netherworld Binding Chains first. The dark chains, accompanied by a mournful ghostly howl, rushed straight towards Lei Wanhe. The other three Purple Mansion cultivators also launched their attacks at the same time.

Faced with this combined attack, which was enough to trap and kill an ordinary pseudo-core cultivator, Lei Wanhe simply sighed softly.

He didn't touch the sword seal of Lei Yunfeng, but instead flicked his sleeve.

A seemingly simple and unadorned tortoise-shell shield flew out and instantly expanded. The naturally formed Bagua runes on the shield surface suddenly lit up, emanating an aura as heavy as a mountain and impervious to all magic. The several fierce and malevolent spirit-binding chains that struck the tortoise-shell light screen were like mud oxen entering the sea, only causing faint ripples and barely making a sound.

"Ancient Black Tortoise Shell?! You actually possess such a treasure!"

Lei Xuansha's pupils constricted sharply, and he cried out in shock. This treasure possessed extremely strong defensive capabilities; it had been recorded in the main branch's ancient texts and had been lost for hundreds of years, yet it was in Lei Wanhe's hands!

"Having lived for so many years, I should have some trump cards to protect myself." Lei Wanhe's tone was calm, but his actions showed no mercy.

He pointed his fingers like a sword, drawing a mysterious trajectory in the air. An inconspicuous jade talisman shot out from his fingertips, silently and with extreme speed.

"puff!"

With a soft sound, a tiny hole appeared between the brows of a late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator who was fully focused on unleashing his magic. The light in his eyes dimmed abruptly, and his body fell stiffly to the ground. He hadn't even seen where the attack had come from.

"The Soul-Splitting Needle Talisman!" Lei Xuansha was terrified. This vicious thing was designed to damage the soul and was impossible to defend against. The method of making it had long been lost!

Lei Wanhe moved like a ghost, dodging the spell of another Purple Mansion cultivator. A seemingly ordinary green bamboo staff appeared in his hand without him even looking. Without even glancing at it, he swung the staff backhand and struck.

This strike, seemingly slow, was incredibly precise, striking the weak point of the Purple Mansion cultivator's protective magic weapon.

With a crisp "ding," the aura of the high-quality small shield instantly dissipated. The bamboo staff, undeterred, gently tapped the chest.

"Crack!" The sound of his ribs shattering was clearly audible. The cultivator from the Purple Mansion realm coughed up blood and flew backward, crashing into several withered trees. His fate was unknown.

In the blink of an eye, two late-stage Purple Mansion cultivators had perished!

Lei Xuansha's eyes widened in horror and rage. He frantically channeled his magic power, unleashing his natal magic weapon—a blood-red longsword—which slashed towards Lei Wanhe with overwhelming murderous intent.

“Xuan Sha, I saw through the flaws in your Blood Fiend Blade Technique three hundred years ago.” Lei Wanhe shook his head slightly. Facing that fierce and incomparable blade, he neither dodged nor avoided it, but simply extended his green bamboo staff forward slightly.

The tip of the staff struck precisely at the point where the blood blade's power was most sluggish.

"Buzz!" The blood blade trembled violently, and the baleful energy gathered on it instantly became chaotic and backfired! Lei Xuan Sha groaned, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, his attack came to an abrupt halt, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"impossible!"

“Nothing is impossible. You are obsessed with power struggles and neglect your cultivation. Your Dao heart has long been tarnished.” Lei Wanhe’s tone was indifferent. His green bamboo staff transformed into a streak of green light, following him like a shadow, and pierced straight at Lei Xuansha’s vital point in his dantian.

Lei Xuansha was terrified and desperately retreated, while simultaneously summoning several protective magical artifacts.

But Lei Wanhe's attacks were like a gentle drizzle, relentless and penetrating. Each strike of the green bamboo staff landed precisely on the opponent's most vulnerable and undefendable spot. In just a few breaths, Lei Xuansha was already overwhelmed, his protective magic artifacts were broken one after another, and several bloody holes appeared on his body.

The last Purple Mansion cultivator was so terrified that he turned around and tried to run away.

Without even glancing at him, Lei Wanhe sent out a golden light from his sleeve—a golden rope engraved with dragon patterns—the Dragon Binding Rope! In a flash of golden light, the cultivator was bound tightly, his magic power instantly sealed, and he collapsed to the ground.

"Brother Wanhe! Spare me! I know I was wrong! I'm willing..." Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Lei Xuansha finally felt fear and begged for mercy in a hoarse voice.

A complex sadness flashed in Lei Wanhe's eyes, but he did not pause in the slightest while holding the green bamboo staff.

"It's too late. It's too late when you raise your sword against your own kind. You must die so that more of your people can live."

As soon as he finished speaking, the green bamboo staff pierced through Lei Xuansha's last protective spiritual light and gently touched his brow.

Lei Xuansha's body stiffened, the light in his eyes quickly faded, and he fell backward, filled with endless regret and resentment.

In the blink of an eye, the edge of the Bone Forest returned to its deathly silence, leaving only the lingering smell of blood and the residual spiritual energy fluctuations from the battle.

Lei Wanhe stood there, slightly out of breath, his face showing no joy of victory, only deep exhaustion and sorrow. He waved his hand to collect the storage bags and useful items of the others, flicked out a wisp of true fire to turn the corpses to ashes, and quickly wiped away the obvious traces of the battle around him.

He glanced at the pale-faced Purple Mansion cultivator bound by the Dragon-Binding Rope, then lifted him up and sealed him away.

"I'll spare your life, so you can serve as a witness."

Having done all this, he dared not linger for even a moment longer, transforming once again into an inconspicuous streak of light, but this time at a speed several degrees faster than before.

The fact that the main branch reacted so quickly and decisively shows that their plan has reached its most critical moment, and they must race against time!

Inside the Fu family's council hall, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, yet the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Fu Changsheng sat upright in the main seat, his face ashen, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest of the rosewood chair. Liu Meizhen stood beside him, her brows also shrouded in worry.

Below, Lei Wanhe appeared somewhat disheveled, his robes still stained with some dust and a faint smell of blood, but his back was straight, his eyes clear and firm, as he presented a jade slip containing astonishing information and Lei Yunfeng's sword seal jade talisman with both hands.

"Lord Fu, Madam Liu, this is how things are."

The main branch leader, Lei Tianming, acted perversely, colluding with the demonic path of the far west. He sacrificed all the clan's talisman masters and the elderly and weak to set up the 'Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array' in the forbidden area behind the mountain, intending to draw upon the power of the Demon Lord. His heart is despicable, and his actions have severed him from heaven and earth!

Lei Wanhe's voice was somber yet clear and logical:

"Although my branch has been established separately, we share the same bloodline. If this matter comes to light, the court will be furious and we may be implicated. To protect the bloodline of my branch and to stop the spread of the demonic scourge, I have come here at the risk of my life to earnestly request Lord Fu, as the Imperial Envoy, to turn the tide!"

Fu Changsheng took the jade slip and quickly scanned its contents with his divine sense. The more he read, the colder his expression became. The description of the Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array and the terrifying consequences predicted by Lei Xuance were all shocking.

"Elder Wanhe, you are wise and righteous, and you have endured humiliation and hardship. I admire you!" He stood up and solemnly bowed to Lei Wanhe. "I, Fu Changsheng, will take care of this matter!"

Lei Wanhe quickly returned the greeting, a huge weight lifted from his heart, knowing that the branch might have a glimmer of hope.

Fu Changsheng turned to Liu Meizhen, speaking rapidly yet with unusual composure:

"Meizhen, immediately issue an emergency summons order in my name: Target: Fellow Daoist Huang Yuehua, Fellow Daoist Ouyang Qing, Clan Chief Ouyang, and Ancestor Wu! Order them to set off immediately and rush to the main gate of the Lei family to meet me as quickly as possible. No delays! Anyone who disobeys will be treated as an accomplice!"

"Yes, my husband!" Liu Meizhen replied without hesitation. Her fingertips flashed with spiritual light, and several communication talismans containing the authority of the patrol angel and Fu Changsheng's unique magic instantly condensed, transforming into streams of light that rushed out of the hall and disappeared into the horizon.

Fu Changsheng then took out an even more ancient jade talisman bearing the unique mark of the Zhen Shi Si, and used his divine sense to inscribe information into it, concisely explaining the affairs of the main branch of the Lei family, emphasizing keywords such as "the far west," "the Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array," and "the Demon Lord's Descent," and finally branded it with his own divine soul imprint and the seal of the Patrol Angel.

"Buzz!"

The jade talisman transformed into a blazing golden light, tearing through the void and heading straight for the Zhenshi Division of Wuzhou City at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary communication talismans. This was a top-level urgent report, directly addressed to the Supervisor Xuan Yang Zhenren!

After doing all this, Fu Changsheng looked at Liu Meizhen, his tone softening but leaving no room for doubt: "Meizhen, you stay at home."

Upon hearing this, Liu Meizhen's beautiful eyes immediately revealed urgency: "Husband! This matter is extremely dangerous. Let me go with you! I have already reached the second level of the Golden Core stage, and I also have the Burning Heaven Token in my hand. I can definitely lend you a helping hand!"

Fu Changsheng grasped her hand, looking at her with deep eyes:
“It is precisely because the family needs strong reinforcements that I cannot let you go. The Lei family's affairs are of great importance, but there is no guarantee that some villains will not take advantage of my absence to cause trouble for the Fu family. Yongrui and Yongshang still need to grow, and Molan is consolidating her cultivation. Only with you staying in the mountains and presiding over the mountain-protecting formation can I focus on dealing with powerful enemies on the front lines. Protecting our home is equally important!”

Liu Meizhen took a deep breath, suppressing her worries and fighting spirit, and nodded emphatically: "Husband, rest assured, Meizhen will protect the family and wait for your triumphant return! You... be careful in everything!"

"I will." Fu Changsheng smiled slightly.

He turned around and said to Lei Wanhe, "Elder Wanhe, there's no time to lose, let's set off now!"

"Yes! Lord Fu is truly righteous, and the Lei family branch will never forget you!" Lei Wanhe said excitedly. Fu Changsheng laughed loudly: "No need for thanks. Eliminating demons and protecting the righteous is my duty."

Before he finished speaking, he had already stepped out of the council hall, his figure transforming into a sharp azure rainbow, soaring into the sky and heading straight for the main branch of the Lei family. Lei Wanhe followed closely behind, transforming into a streak of light to catch up.

Liu Meizhen chased after him outside the hall, gazing up at the blue rainbow that quickly disappeared into the horizon, her face still showing a trace of worry.

...

...

Outside the main gate of the Lei family, a hundred miles away, lies a desolate stone forest.

Several extremely concealed beams of light descended one after another, revealing the figures of Fu Changsheng, Lei Wanhe, as well as Huang Yuehua, Clan Chief Ouyang, Ouyang Qing, and Old Ancestor Wu, who had rushed over after receiving the emergency summons.

As soon as everyone appeared, their eyes were immediately focused on Fu Changsheng, and their faces showed undisguised surprise.

At this moment, Fu Changsheng did not deliberately conceal his aura. His profound magical power at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm flowed like a deep pool, and the spiritual pressure he brought with him made the hearts of the several Golden Core cultivators present tremble.

"Fellow Daoist Fu, you..." Huang Yuehua's beautiful eyes widened, and she gasped softly, covering her mouth, "You've actually broken through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm?"

Decades ago, when Fu Changsheng formed his core, it shook the world. How long has it been? For an ordinary Golden Core cultivator, it would be difficult enough to consolidate their realm in this short time, but he has already broken through several barriers and reached the middle stage!
The Ouyang clan chief wore a veil, obscuring his expression, but a deep tremor flashed across his exposed eyes. He slowly cupped his hands, his voice steady:
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Fu, on taking another step forward on the Great Dao. Such a speed of progress is unheard of."

He himself had painstakingly formed his Golden Core ten years ago, achieving the eighth-grade Golden Core, and knew the hardships involved. Now, he was still stabilizing at the early stage of the Golden Core, and in comparison, he was filled with emotion.

Old Master Wu, standing to the side, felt a barely perceptible twitch in his facial muscles. A complex mix of emotions surged deep within his eyes: shock, envy, and even a hint of indescribable bitterness. He chuckled dryly, his voice slightly hoarse.
"Fellow Daoist Fu is truly a genius of unparalleled talent. I am deeply impressed."

He was a low-level Golden Core cultivator. In the years since his breakthrough, he had cultivated diligently day and night, yet his magical power grew at a snail's pace. He estimated that he would need at least another sixty years of hard work to reach the threshold of the second level of the Golden Core realm, and he would also need to find spiritual objects to aid his breakthrough. On the other hand, Fu Changsheng, a first-grade Golden Core cultivator, broke through several levels in less than sixty years, directly entering the mid-stage... The difference between them was like heaven and earth, making his chest feel tight, yet he had no choice but to admit defeat.

A lifespan of a thousand years, and the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage... This is no exaggeration!

Fu Changsheng took in everyone's reactions, then smiled nonchalantly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "I've only gained some insight by chance, fellow Daoists, you flatter me. The most urgent matter is dealing with the Lei family's predicament."

His expression turned serious, and his gaze swept over the Lei family's main branch mountain gate in the distance, which was shrouded in a thick blood-red light curtain. The light curtain was like an inverted blood bowl, with blood waves rolling on its surface, and a murderous aura soaring to the sky. It could be faintly heard as a heart-palpitating roar and the sound of chains being dragged.

He succinctly recounted the intelligence Lei Wanhe had brought—Lei Tianming's earth-shattering conspiracy to collude with the demonic cultivator Blood Puppet Child from the far west, to set up the Blood Fiend Sky-Covering Array, to sacrifice the flesh and souls of his clansmen, and to attempt to draw upon the power of the Demon Lord.

"...That's the situation. The main branch of the Lei family has completely fallen into the demonic path. If this formation is completed, the power of the Demon Lord will descend, which may not be a blessing for Wuzhou, but rather the beginning of a catastrophe that will sweep across the world." Fu Changsheng's tone was solemn.

"A demonic cult giant in the late Golden Core stage? And with this strange array supporting him?" Huang Yuehua's face paled slightly after hearing this. Although she was calm, she came from a relatively peaceful background, and she couldn't help but feel apprehensive upon hearing this. "Fellow Daoist Fu, is this matter... too dangerous? The opponent's strength far surpasses ours. Perhaps we should postpone it and wait for the reinforcements from the Zhen Shi Division and the Yu Shen Division to arrive before taking action? After all, an urgent report has already been sent."

Upon hearing this, Old Ancestor Wu shook his head:
“I understand Fellow Daoist Huang’s concerns. But Fellow Daoist Fu must have made his decision after careful consideration. I have personally witnessed Fellow Daoist Fu slaying the Black Fiend True Man who was able to unleash the power of a False Infant in the herb garden. Now Fellow Daoist Fu’s cultivation is even greater than before, and his supernatural powers must be even more unfathomable. The opportunity is fleeting. If we wait until he completes his sacrifice and the demon descends into the world, that will be the real disaster.”

His words were both an expression of support for Fu Changsheng and a way to reassure Huang Yuehua, highlighting Fu Changsheng's strength and capabilities.

Although Ouyang Qing wore a veil, her bright eyes were lively, and her gaze towards Fu Changsheng carried trust and even a hint of something else. Her voice was clear yet firm:
"Brother Fu, tell us how to fight, and we'll fight however you want! This bloodthirsty aura is really unsettling; the sooner we resolve this, the sooner we can have peace of mind!"

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, turning to look at the blood-red light screen. Its color had grown increasingly deep and viscous, and as it churned, it seemed as if countless pained faces were trying to break free.

"Everyone, we can't wait any longer. The aura of this formation is rising, and the sacrifice is nearing its final stage. Every moment we wait increases the uncertainty, and the greater the risk of Wuzhou falling!"

"Elder Wanhe, do you have any clues about the key point or weak point of the Lei family's protective mountain formation, the 'Blood Reversal Heaven-Overturning Formation'? Also, the inside man you mentioned earlier..."

Lei Wanhe frowned, his expression extremely grave. He tried to contact his old friend in the forbidden area using a secret method, but several messages he sent disappeared without a trace. He took a deep breath and shook his head heavily.

“This is bad… I can’t get in touch with Xuan Yun. None of the previously agreed emergency contact methods have responded. I’m afraid… a major upheaval has occurred within the main branch. Xuan Yun… he may have met with misfortune, or he may have been completely monitored and isolated. The path of our inside man is probably cut off.”

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened: "It's alright. Since there are no inside helpers, let's attack head-on! Elder Wanhe, you know this formation best. Do you know its vital point or the location of its usual formation eyes?"

Lei Wanhe suppressed his worry for his old friend and focused intently on the blood-red light screen. His mind raced through all the Lei family's array formation manuals. After a moment, he pointed to several locations on the blood screen where the flow of spiritual energy was somewhat obscure and the patterns of the blood-red light fluctuations were unusual:

"The 'Blood Reversal Heaven-Overturning Formation' is derived from several ancient formations recorded in our family's ancient books. Although it has been modified by demons, its foundation should not have changed much. In my opinion, these places—the blood pool in the mountain hollow three hundred feet to the east, the elusive demonic phantom one hundred feet to the right of the main gate, and the connection point of the earth vein of the main peak behind it—are very likely to be its main formation eyes or energy nodes!"

"Good!" A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, and without the slightest hesitation, "Fellow Daoists, there's no time to lose, let's make our move immediately!"

His gaze swept over the crowd, and he quickly made arrangements:
"Fellow Daoist Wu, you are experienced and your attacks are fierce. Please join Elder Wanhe in attacking the Blood Pool array eye in the eastern mountain valley with all your might to draw the pressure from the front!"

"Fellow Daoist Huang, your cultivation is profound, and you are calm and composed. Please focus your attack on the demonic phantom array eye on the right side of the main gate!"

"Fellow Daoists Ouyang, please provide support from the sidelines, disrupt the operation of the great formation, eliminate any demonic creatures that may appear to protect the formation, and be vigilant on the perimeter to prevent other demonic cultivators from launching a sneak attack or for those inside to break out!"

"I will head straight for the main peak's earth vein node at the rear. That is the core of the great formation and its strongest point. I will break it myself! Once any of the formation's key points weakens, the other two will launch a full-scale attack, preventing it from defending both ends!"

Fu Changsheng's arrangements were decisive and clear, taking into full account the characteristics and strengths of the individuals involved.

Upon hearing this, everyone knew that there was no way out and no time to hesitate.

"Yes, sir!" Chief Ouyang replied in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, Brother Fu!" Ouyang Qing's eyes shone brightly.

"I will do my utmost!" Old Ancestor Wu cupped his hands in greeting.

"Okay!" Huang Yuehua suppressed her heart palpitations and nodded in agreement.

"I entrust this to you all!" Lei Wanhe bowed deeply.

"action!"

At Fu Changsheng's command, his figure transformed into a streak of azure light that tore through the sky, carrying a chilling sharpness and immense magical power, and crashed straight into the main peak of the back mountain, where the blood-red light curtain was thickest and the energy was most violent!

……

Within the main branch of the Lei family.

Inside the formation, Lei Tianming used the Water Mirror Technique to see five Golden Core figures outside, led by Fu Changsheng, radiating terrifying pressure. In particular, he felt the immense spiritual pressure of Fu Changsheng, who was at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, and was immediately terrified, his face turning ashen.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!"

He scrambled back to the forbidden altar, his voice trembling, and shouted incoherently at the Blood Puppet Child:
"Fu Changsheng! It's Fu Changsheng! He's broken through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm! And he brought four Golden Core helpers! We...we can't stop him! What do we do?! What should we do now?!"

The Blood Puppet Child was focused on activating the altar. Upon hearing this, he merely glanced at him coldly, his gaze as if he were looking at a noisy ant, filled with utter mockery and icy indifference.

"Why are you panicking?"

The Blood Puppet Child's voice was high-pitched yet unusually calm, even carrying a hint of languor:
"They're just five Golden Core cultivators, only one of whom is at the mid-stage. Do you think my 'Blood Reversal Heaven-Overturning Formation' is so easy to break? Even if a Nascent Soul cultivator were to come, it would take some effort to blast open this formation!"

He pointed to the increasingly violently throbbing, demonic tumor that seemed about to burst open, a fanatical look on his face:

"If we can hold on for just a little longer, when the Demon Lord's avatar arrives, let alone a Nascent Soul cultivator, even a Deity Transformation cultivator will have to think twice! At that time, the entire Wuzhou will be groveling at our feet! What are you afraid of?"

Despite this, a hint of worry flashed deep in the Blood Puppet Child's eyes.

Fu Changsheng and his group's offensive was faster and fiercer than he had expected, especially Fu Changsheng, whom he hadn't seen for more than ten years, who gave him an extremely dangerous feeling.

Just in case, we must speed things up!
"It's time to let these 'nutrients' play their final role."

Blood Puppet Boy gave a sinister smile, no longer looking at Lei Tianming who was trembling with fear, and suddenly made an extremely strange and evil hand seal with both hands.

"Bloodline returns to its source, all spirits pay homage! Rise!"

With a sharp cry, the ancient array diagram that had been hovering above the altar and slowly rotating suddenly burst into a blood-red light!
next moment.

Countless fine, yet incredibly condensed, blood-red threads, like living beings, descended from the sky and pierced with unparalleled precision between the eyebrows of every living being within the main branch of the Lei family—whether cultivators or mortals, whether they were hiding in secret chambers, cellars, or under the cover of formations!
"what--!"

"what?!"

"My head! It hurts so much!"

"Help! Chieftain, save us!"

In an instant, the entire main branch of the Lei family was plunged into unprecedented panic and a hellish scene.

Whether they were Qi Refining disciples, Foundation Establishment deacons, or the few remaining Purple Mansion elders who had not been transferred to the forbidden area, without exception, all of them had blood-red threads piercing their foreheads. Their eyes instantly became empty and numb, and their bodies turned around uncontrollably and stiffly, walking step by step towards the forbidden area in the back mountain, like puppets on strings.

Lei Tianming saw this scene, which resembled a living hell, through the water mirror. He saw his familiar and unfamiliar clansmen being led to their deaths like livestock. He saw the once-great Lei family estate reduced to almost nothing in an instant. He completely broke down.

"No! No! Stop! Stop now!"

He rushed to the Blood Puppet Child's feet, tears streaming down his face, and frantically kowtowed:
"Your Excellency! I beg you! Show mercy! This cannot be done! This is the foundation of my Lei family's centuries-old legacy! This is my clan! It cannot be destroyed like this! I beg you! Leave some seeds for future generations!"

The Blood Puppet Child looked at Lei Tianming, who lay sprawled like mud beneath his feet, his eyes filled with utter contempt and mockery. He chuckled, his voice icy and chilling:

"idiot!
What is the Lei family? They're nothing but an anthill!

When the Demon Lord descends, bestowing upon you unparalleled demonic power and resources, you can have as many families as you desire! At that time, the entire Wuzhou, no, the entire world's living beings will be your 'clan'! Why bother with this insignificant sacrifice?"

He kicked Lei Tianming aside, his gaze returning to the altar with a crazed greed:
"Now, watch obediently as my Lord descends! This is the true beginning of your glory!"

Lei Tianming collapsed to the ground, staring at the tragic scene of his family's destruction reflected in the water mirror, then at the fanatical and cold Blood Puppet Child and the pulsating demonic seed. His eyes were filled with endless fear and despair.

Only now did he truly understand.

What kind of terrifying being had he provoked?

But everything is beyond repair.

Taking advantage of the Blood Puppet Child's inattention, Lei Tianming quietly left the Lei family through the secret passage.

……

Rumble!
Outside the main gate of the Lei family, five dazzling beams of spiritual light, like meteors, continuously bombarded the thick, blood-red light barrier.

Wu Laozu's crimson gold pestle smashed out a sky full of sparks, while Lei Wanhe's green bamboo staff created ripples; the Ouyang clan chief's heavy, earth-yellow handprint caused the light screen to dent violently with each strike; Ouyang Qing's seven-colored ribbon coiled like a serpent, constantly eroding the array's spiritual light; and Huang Yuehua's clear, melodious bell sound attempted to disrupt the energy flow within the array.

however.

That "Blood Reversal Heaven-Overturning Formation" is like a monster with endless vitality.

No matter how fierce the attack, as the surface churns with blood waves, the damaged areas can always be quickly replenished by the earth's veins and the overwhelming blood energy, and soon recover to their original state, even becoming deeper and more viscous in color.

From within the formation came the Blood Puppet Child's shrill and arrogant laughter, which appeared somewhat distorted through the light barrier:
"Hahaha! Useless! Fu Changsheng! No matter how many helpers you bring, it will all be in vain! This formation is connected to the earth's veins and has endless blood and evil energy as its foundation. How could a few Golden Core cultivators like you possibly shake it? Just wait obediently outside! When the Demon Lord arrives, I will definitely dig out your Golden Cores one by one as an extra gift to the Demon Lord!"

The sustained offensive yielded no results, but instead consumed enormous resources.

Huang Yuehua was already apprehensive, and now she felt even more inclined to back down, so she couldn't help but speak up:

"Fellow Daoist Fu, this formation is strange, its regenerative power is too strong, I'm afraid we really can't break through it. Perhaps we should retreat for now, reconsider our strategy, and wait for reinforcements from within the department..."

Before she could finish speaking, something unexpected happened!
Rumble!
The void above the altar suddenly twisted and distorted, as if a giant, invisible hand had ripped a hole in it!
A thick, nauseating demonic aura surged forth like a black tide, accompanied by a sickening grinding sound of bones and evil whispers.

A vague passage, exuding an aura of endless destruction and greed, is slowly coalescing and taking shape!
The demonic passage is about to be completed!

Everyone's heart sank to the bottom.

Huang Yuehua and the others showed signs of panic:
"Oh no, the Demon Lord is about to descend!"

"It's too late to stop it, what should we do?"

"Why don't we take advantage of the time we still have and hurry back to our tribe..."

"..."

Just as everyone decided to retreat.

boom!
A terrifying pressure far exceeding that of the mid-stage Golden Core realm suddenly descended!
Late stage of Golden Elixir!

A vast spiritual energy formed a visible vortex of seven-colored light around Fu Changsheng, making him appear as if he were a god descending to earth.

This sudden turn of events stunned everyone, even the Blood Puppet Child's maniacal laughter within the formation came to an abrupt halt.

Fu Changsheng ignored the shock of the crowd. He slowly closed his eyes, his expression solemn, and his hands formed an ancient and complex sword seal in front of his chest.

A clear and melodious sword cry, seemingly traversing countless ages, resounded from the depths of his body, soaring straight into the sky!
Immediately afterwards, a pure and sharp azure light shot up from the top of his head, unfolding in the sky and transforming into a phantom of a wondrous nine-leaf sword fungus!

The sword-shaped fungus was carved from jade, with nine leaves of different shapes, each exuding an unparalleled sharpness that could sever cause and effect and destroy all laws! The ancient and vast sword intent spread out, even forcing back the overwhelming bloodlust aura!
"Nine-Leaf Sword Soul, manifest!"

Fu Changsheng suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze now devoid of sorrow or joy, only filled with the clarity of a sword that reflects all things.

With a low shout, the phantom of the Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus suddenly retracted, and endless sword intent and azure light frantically condensed, eventually transforming into a three-foot-long sword with an ancient style, its blade covered with mysterious runes, and its entire body flowing with azure light that wards off evil!
As soon as this sword was drawn, the evil energy in the world seemed to have met its nemesis, letting out a silent wail, and even the demonic passage that was about to take shape paused slightly!
"Slay the evil!"

Fu Changsheng pointed his fingers like a sword towards the ley line node in the back mountain!
Om-!
The ancient sword named "Zhanxie" emitted a joyful tremor, transforming into a long blue rainbow that tore through the heavens and earth, and silently slashed down at a speed that seemed slow but actually transcended the limitations of time and space!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, no violent energy clash.

Before that pure cyan sword rainbow, the blood-red light barrier that was previously indestructible and could withstand the combined attack of five Golden Core cultivators was easily split in two like a hot knife through butter!
The dense aura of bloodlust enveloping it was like snow meeting the scorching sun, emitting a mournful "hissing" sound as it quickly melted and dissipated!
The formation was broken!
“…This!!” Huang Yuehua’s mouth gaped open, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief and shock. She stared blankly at the figure holding a sword in mid-air. Her previous hesitation had been completely washed away, leaving only unparalleled awe.

Even the usually composed Ouyang clan chief showed a rare expression of extreme shock: "Fellow Daoist Fu's supernatural abilities are truly astounding! I admire you!"

Ouyang Qing's bright eyes, visible through her veil, sparkled with excitement and admiration.

Meanwhile, Old Ancestor Wu, standing to the side, looked as if he had seen a ghost. His finger trembled slightly as he pointed at the gradually dissipating illusory image of the ancient blue sword, his voice distorted:

"How...how could he possibly summon different ancient swords?! Moreover, the grade and power to ward off evil of this sword are even more terrifying than the last one!"

(End of this chapter)