Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 561 Crushing Strike, New and Old Hatreds, Life Hanging by a Thread

Between the azure sea and sky, a sleek and ornate flying boat, adorned with the emblem of the She family of Nanshan, broke through the clouds and sped toward Wucai Island.

On the deck of the flying boat, She Tianyun, dressed in a brocade robe, stood against the wind, his handsome face filled with eager excitement and pride. Half a step behind him, his protector, Uncle Zhong, stood silently, his aura as steady as a mountain, the spiritual pressure of the early stage of the Purple Mansion spreading out faintly, making the surrounding sea breeze seem to freeze a bit.

"Uncle Zhong, how much longer until we get to that damn Five-Colored Island?" She Tianyun asked impatiently, toying with a wisp of icy spiritual energy between his fingertips.

"Young Master, we can already see the outline of the island ahead, we'll be there in a moment." Uncle Zhong's voice was deep and his eyes were like lightning, already locked on that lush green spot on the distant sea. "Young Master, after we land on the island, please allow this old servant to test it out first. That Shangguan Hongyu was able to kill Mo Tianying, she's no ordinary Qi Refining cultivator."

"What's there to be afraid of!" She Tianyun waved his hand dismissively, a cold smile playing on his lips. "With Uncle Zhong here, what trouble can the island lord of a mere remote island cause? Mother said she only succeeded by using trickery to launch a sneak attack. Today, I will personally take her head and make a name for myself, She Tianyun!"

Uncle Zhong opened his mouth, looking at the young man's spirited profile, but ultimately swallowed his words of advice, only secretly becoming extremely vigilant. His divine sense had already swept across Five-Colored Island; the island's defensive formations looked quite impressive, but that was all. He hadn't sensed any powerful aura that could threaten him.

The flying boat moved at great speed, and soon approached the outer perimeter of Five-Colored Island. The expected fierce resistance did not materialize, and there were very few patrolling disciples. Only a faint five-colored light curtain enveloped the entire island, seemingly an ordinary island protection formation.

"Hmph, as expected of a third-rate island, it doesn't even have any decent defenses." She Tianyun sneered, his contempt growing. "Uncle Zhong, break through it!"

"Yes." Uncle Zhong responded, stepped forward, and pointed his fingers like a sword. A highly refined crimson sword light burst forth from his fingertips, carrying the immense power of a Purple Mansion cultivator, and slashed fiercely at the five-colored light screen!
"boom--!"

The crimson sword light slashed fiercely at the five-colored light barrier, producing a deafening roar. The light barrier twisted violently, ripples spread wildly, colors shifted rapidly, and it emitted a piercing buzzing sound as if it were about to collapse under the weight. Then, like shattered glass, it shattered with a crash, turning into countless rays of light that dissipated into the sky.

"Haha! So easily defeated!"

Seeing this, She Tianyun's last trace of vigilance vanished. He laughed loudly, his figure transforming into a streak of icy blue light, and he eagerly rushed into the Five-Colored Island area first:

"Shangguan Hongyu, come out and face your death!"

Uncle Zhong frowned slightly, feeling that the formation had been broken too easily. But seeing that the young master had already entered, he dared not be negligent and immediately followed closely behind, fully deploying his divine sense to vigilantly scan the situation inside the island.

However, the moment he stepped onto the island—

"Boom!!!"

A much deeper and more majestic hum came from the ground beneath their feet! The spiritual light that had just shattered and dissipated suddenly reappeared from all directions, not returning to its original state, but intertwining and outlining even more complex and profound runic trajectories!

A new, thicker, more solid light screen, radiating a heart-palpitating pressure, instantly shot into the sky, firmly enveloping the entire Five-Colored Island! On the light screen, runes moved like dragons and snakes, and the spiritual pressure was vast, clearly the aura of a third-order formation!

"A third-tier grand formation?! How is this possible?!" Uncle Zhong's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in shock, his internal alarm bells ringing wildly! How could a remote and barren Qi-refining island possess and be able to operate a third-tier formation? This is no ordinary matter!

She Tianyun, who had just rushed out a short distance, was also stunned by this sudden change. Feeling the terrifying spiritual pressure emanating from the light screen, which was far beyond his comprehension, the excitement and arrogance on his face instantly froze, replaced by a trace of panic and bewilderment:

"Uncle Zhong! What's going on?!"

Before Uncle Zhong could answer, two figures gracefully rose from the depths of the island and hovered in the air; they were Shangguan Hongyu and Xianyu.

Shangguan Hongyu, dressed in a plain white dress, possessed an exquisite beauty and a cool, aloof demeanor like a plum blossom under the moon. Her gaze calmly swept over the panicked She Tianyun and the drastically changed-faced Uncle Zhong. Her aura was no longer concealed in the slightest; the vast spiritual pressure of the Purple Mansion stage spread out like a tide, instantly filling the entire array space and completely overshadowing Uncle Zhong's early Purple Mansion stage spiritual pressure!
Xianyu followed beside her, curiously observing the newcomer. She also unabashedly exuded the majesty of a Purple Mansion cultivator, though her lively eyes still held a hint of novelty as she watched the spectacle.

"Purple... Purple Mansion cultivators?! Two of them!!" Uncle Zhong felt the spiritual pressure that was no weaker than his own, and he was struck dumb. All the color drained from his face, and all that remained in his heart was endless horror and regret!
They've fallen into a trap! This isn't some Qi Refining Island; it's a den of dragons and tigers! Two Purple Mansion cultivators are stationed here, and there's a third-tier array sealing it off! They were completely oblivious and foolishly led their young master in!

"Fellow Daoist! It's a misunderstanding! A huge misunderstanding!" Uncle Zhong instantly abandoned all hostility, bowed deeply, and said in an extremely fearful tone, "We were unaware that you two were here, and we have been very rude! We will leave immediately and will never disturb your cultivation again! Please, fellow Daoist, show mercy!"

All he wanted to do at that moment was to get the young master away from this dangerous place immediately.

However, after his initial panic subsided, seeing Uncle Zhong's obsequious manner, She Tianyun's youthful pride was ignited. He forced himself to stand straight and, with a fierce but ultimately weak voice, shouted:

"Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding! Shangguan Hongyu, my grandfather is the patriarch of the She family on Nanshan Island, a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator! If you dare to lay a finger on a hair on our head, my grandfather will surely raze your Five-Colored Island to the ground and make you..."

"Noisy."

Shangguan Hongyu was too lazy to listen to his nonsense. She parted her red lips slightly and coldly uttered two words.

Before she finished speaking, she pointed her fingers like a sword, and a condensed, intensely red sword beam, imbued with terrifying and scorching sword intent, shot out, heading straight for Uncle Zhong! At the same time, she flicked her sleeve, and an invisible, immense force pressed down on She Tianyun like a mountain!
Almost at the same time, the Immortal Jade also moved.

She chuckled, made a hand seal, and countless thick, aquamarine tentacles instantly rose from the sea, nimbly wrapping around Uncle Zhong's lower body, coordinating with Shangguan Hongyu's attack.

"Young Master, be careful!" Uncle Zhong was shocked, not expecting the other party to attack so decisively! He roared and unleashed his spiritual power without reservation, instantly forming a thick, earthen-yellow shield in front of him, while trying to dodge and protect She Tianyun.

But he was facing a joint attack from two cultivators of the same level, not to mention that he was trapped in a great formation!

"Boom!"

The crimson sword light instantly tore through the earthen shield, its momentum slightly reduced, but it still slammed into Uncle Zhong's protective aura. Uncle Zhong was struck as if by a heavy blow, spitting out a mouthful of blood and staggering backward.

His lower body was tightly bound by the azure tentacles, which further hampered his movements and made matters worse!
On the other side, facing the invisible force that was like a mountain pressing down, She Tianyun was completely powerless to resist. His protective spiritual light shattered instantly, and with a miserable scream, he was slammed to the ground, creating a deep pit. Countless bones in his body were broken, and his cultivation was directly destroyed!

"Young Master!" Uncle Zhong's eyes were bloodshot, and he tried to rush over despite his own injuries.

But would Shangguan Hongyu give him a chance? She pointed her sword again, and an even sharper sword beam came flying in. At the same time, Xianyu's magic became even more tricky and difficult to deal with.

Uncle Zhong was already injured and worried about the young master, so he was in a state of panic. He barely managed to withstand a few moves before Shangguan Hongyu broke through his defenses with a sword. Immediately afterwards, a water tornado from the fairy jade crashed heavily into his dantian!

"puff--!"

Uncle Zhong coughed up blood, his body slumped to the ground, his face as white as paper. His Purple Mansion cultivation was instantly destroyed, and only despair and disbelief remained in his eyes.

From the moment the attack began to the moment it ended, it took only a few breaths.

Shangguan Hongyu landed gracefully, her dress as white as snow, spotless, as if she had merely swatted two flies. Xianyu also landed to the side, curiously looking at She Tianyun, who had fainted in the pit, and Uncle Zhong, who was slumped on the ground.

"Island Master!" Alan arrived with his disciples at this moment. Seeing the scene, even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but gasp.

Shangguan Hongyu calmly instructed, "Take the two away and imprison them separately in the depths of the water dungeon. Lock them up with spirit-suppressing locks and have them closely guarded. Do not mistreat them, but absolutely do not let the news leak out."

"Yes!" Alan immediately accepted the order and directed her disciples to drag the person away. She looked at Shangguan Hongyu with eyes full of awe. The island lord's actions were truly swift and decisive, always well-planned before acting.

Shangguan Hongyu's gaze swept over the unconscious She Tianyun and the despairing Uncle Zhong, her eyes deep.

Not killing them is not out of kindness or soft-heartedness.

But now is not the time to alert the enemy. These two pieces are more useful alive than dead.

……

Inside the quiet room of the Five-Colored Island Master's Mansion, candlelight flickered.

Before Shangguan Hongyu lay several storage bags she had taken from Uncle Zhong. She scanned them one by one with her divine sense; most contained ordinary spirit stones, talismans, and magical artifacts, nothing particularly remarkable. However, when her divine sense probed into the last seemingly plain gray cloth bag, her gaze suddenly sharpened.

She carefully took out a warm, white jade elixir bottle. The moment she uncorked it, an extremely pure and refreshing medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air, as if containing the power of clouds and mist, instantly clearing the mind and soul. Inside the bottle lay three longan-sized, pure white pills with what appeared to be flowing cloud patterns on their surface.

"Third-tier, mid-grade Cloud Jade Pills!" A rare hint of joy appeared on Shangguan Hongyu's usually cold face. "And they're three of excellent quality, top-grade pills! The cloud-like spiritual energy contained in these pills is pure and gentle, perfect for consolidating and enhancing my Purple Mansion cultivation. With them, my recovery to the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm is just around the corner!"

This unexpected joy gave her more confidence in her original plan. She carefully put away the elixir bottle and got up to walk towards the island's dungeon.

Before retreat.

She needs to make one thing clear first.

Deep within the dungeon, dark and damp, Uncle Zhong, his cultivation crippled, was bound to the stone wall by thick, spirit-suppressing chains. He was emaciated and barely breathing. Hearing footsteps, he struggled to lift his head, saw Shangguan Hongyu, and fear and despair flashed in his eyes:
"Fellow Daoist, it was my young master who was blind and didn't recognize your greatness. Please, fellow Daoist, consider my young master's ignorance and spare us this time. I..."

"Humph"

Without uttering a single word, Shangguan Hongyu gently raised her hand and placed it directly on Uncle Zhong's crown.

"Fellow Daoist... spare me..." Uncle Zhong's weak plea was abruptly cut short. His eyes rolled back instantly, his body convulsed violently, and an expression of extreme pain appeared on his face.

Soul Searching Technique! It is domineering and cruel. Those who are subjected to it will suffer damage to their souls and become idiots at best, and their souls will be scattered on the spot at worst.

Shangguan Hongyu closed her eyes and concentrated, her immense divine sense forcefully invading Uncle Zhong's sea of ​​consciousness, rummaging through his fragmented memories. Countless images and information flooded in like a torrent—the terrain and layout of Nanshan Island, the appearances and cultivation levels of the main members of the She family, the weaknesses of the island's defensive formations, the subtle relationships within the family, the distribution of resources... and even some hidden past events and schemes involving Mo Yinyin.

A moment later, Shangguan Hongyu withdrew her hand. Uncle Zhong's head slumped limply, his breath gone and his soul scattered. She never showed mercy to enemies, especially those who might leak intelligence.

She stood there, her brows slightly furrowed, processing the information she had received.

"The She family patriarch, a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, is in seclusion year-round and is the pillar of Nanshan Island."

"His two sons were both at the early stage of the Purple Mansion realm. One was in charge of family affairs, and the other was responsible for external conquests."

"There are several thousand cultivators residing on the island, with about a hundred at the Foundation Establishment stage..."

"The island-protecting formation is called the 'Rock-Suppressing Sea Formation,' and it is also a third-order formation. Its core array eye is located near where the ancestor was in seclusion..."

The situation is now clear.

Nanshan Island is not weak, but it is not monolithic, and there are clues to its strength.

Back in the quiet room, Shangguan Hongyu immediately made a decision.

She summoned Xianyu and Alan.

"Alan, I need to immediately go into seclusion to break through to the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm. You will continue to make all decisions regarding matters on the island."

“Xianyu,” she looked at the girl with big, blinking eyes, “this seclusion is of utmost importance. You will protect me and there cannot be any mistakes.”

"I know, Auntie! I'll take care of it!" Xianyu puffed out her chest. Although she was playful, she knew what was important.

After a moment's thought, Shangguan Hongyu added, "Furthermore, close the island's protective array before I leave the seclusion."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Alan bowed and stepped back, immediately going to make the arrangements.

Xianyu obediently moved a futon and sat at the entrance of the meditation room. Although she was still unconsciously playing with a wisp of water spirit energy in her hand, her little face was tense, and her divine sense quietly covered the surroundings, fulfilling her duty as a protector.

Shangguan Hongyu walked into the depths of the quiet room and waved her hand to set up several layers of isolation barriers. She sat cross-legged on the cold jade lotus platform, took out the bottle of Cloud Jade Pills, and poured out a pill that was surrounded by the aura of clouds and mist.

The elixir melted upon entering the mouth, transforming into a powerful yet exceptionally gentle and pure torrent that flowed into the limbs and bones, eventually converging towards the dantian.

She slowly closed her eyes, her hands forming hand seals. The "Mysterious Fire True Technique" quietly circulated, guiding the powerful medicinal force to begin its assault on the barrier of the mid-stage Purple Mansion realm.

The quiet room was filled with spiritual energy, and wisps of clouds appeared and disappeared. Her aura gradually became deeper and more vast in the silence.

...

...

Demon Suppression Pass

The light from the teleportation array had not yet completely faded, and the obsidian-like ground runes gradually dimmed.

Fu Changsheng took a step forward, and a biting wind carrying pure demonic energy and the smell of rust rushed towards him. He looked up—

The colossal pass lay like a primordial beast between heaven and earth. The walls, over a hundred feet high, were entirely cast from dark metal, their surface covered with claw marks of varying depths and scorch marks from magical attacks. Banners fluttered atop the walls, the enormous characters "Suppress Demons" written in blood-red crimson.

Outside the pass, inky demonic energy surged endlessly, with distorted demonic shadows howling and charging, only to be repelled by the golden array patterns flowing across the city walls. Inside the city, however, a chilling atmosphere prevailed, with armored cultivators patrolling in formation, the sound of their footsteps and the clanging of their armor clearly audible in the harsh wind.

"Lord Fu, the Sixth-Rank Patrol Envoy?" A guard general stepped forward quickly, checked the token, and bowed respectfully. "Commander Chi has received the message and is on his way here."

Before the words were finished, a crimson streak streaked through the air from afar, landing as a red-armored general. This man had a resolute face, piercing eyes, and an aura as solid as a mountain, clearly indicating that he was a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

"Envoy Fu Xun," Commander Chi said, bowing respectfully, his voice booming, "I have long admired your name."

Fu Changsheng returned the greeting: "Commander Chi."

Fu Qingyun stepped forward quietly and whispered to Fu Changsheng, "Patriarch, when we first arrived at Zhenmo Pass, the Fu family members were under the command of Commander Chi. Before Fourth Grandfather was promoted, he was greatly taken care of by Commander Chi."

Fu Changsheng understood.

The two exchanged a few polite words.

Commander Chi looked at Fu Changsheng, "The Imperial Envoy has come about the matter of Chang Lei?"

“Exactly.” Fu Changsheng’s gaze swept over the surging demonic energy beyond the pass. “My brother has been missing for more than ten years, and there is still no news of him. I had no choice but to come.”

Commander Chi's expression was solemn: "The pass takes this matter very seriously, and it even alarmed Zhenyuan Zhenjun, who is stationed here, to personally go out of the pass to search for it." He paused slightly, his tone slow and deliberate, "However, the depths of the Demon Realm are unpredictable and treacherous, and even Zhenjun... returned empty-handed."

His words were subtle, but Fu Changsheng understood the unspoken meaning: even a True Lord couldn't find it, so you'll be the same. But this wasn't disrespect; it was a veiled warning.

Fu Changsheng remained expressionless: "Thank you for your trouble, True Lord. In that case, we need to clarify the details before my brother's disappearance."

Commander Chi nodded: "Of course. Zhenyuan Zhenjun will emerge from seclusion in a few days, and I will introduce him to the Imperial Guard. Let's settle in for now. If you need anything, please let me know." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Commander Chi took his leave, his red-armored figure quickly disappearing into the layers of camp.

Fu Changsheng watched him leave and said to Fu Qingyun, "Summon Qingyun to see me."

……

A moment later, Fu Qingyun strode over, his armor still stained with undried demonic blood.

"Patriarch!" Upon seeing Fu Changsheng, his eyes reddened slightly, and he immediately knelt on one knee. "It is Qingyun's incompetence that failed to protect Fourth Grandfather!"

Fu Changsheng gently lifted him up with a soft touch: "Stand up and speak. Tell me everything that happened that day in detail."

Fu Qingyun took a deep breath and steadied his voice: "That day, Fourth Grandfather led us to patrol Ghost Cry Gorge. The demonic energy in the gorge was unusually active, so Fourth Grandfather ordered us to provide support outside the gorge while he went in alone to investigate..."

He described it in great detail, from how Fu Changlei noticed the anomaly, how he gave the order, how he transformed into lightning and rushed in, to the earth-shattering thunderstorm that erupted in the ravine and the faint sounds of fighting that could be heard, and finally the faint lightning that forcibly broke through the restriction and fled into the depths of the demonic realm...

Fu Changsheng stood quietly listening, his expression calm, but a chill gradually settled deep within his eyes.

Fu Qingyun stood to the side, his fingertips unconsciously stroking a cold jade talisman in his sleeve. The corners of his lips curved into a very faint, almost invisible arc, but his eyes were as cold and gloomy as the ever-present demonic mist beyond the Great Wall.

"The last message Fourth Grandfather sent back was only three words..." Fu Qingyun's voice choked as he squeezed out those three heavy words through clenched teeth:

"Li, Wan, Hu".

...

...

Li Wanhu's residence.

Inside the study, the fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the air, yet it couldn't dispel the cold and oppressive atmosphere.

Li Wanhu stood with his hands behind his back by the window, watching the fading light from the teleportation array in the distance, a cold smile playing on his lips. A trusted retainer bowed deeply, whispering news of Fu Changsheng's arrival.

"Fu Changsheng... has finally arrived." Li Wanhu's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, but his hands behind his back slowly clenched. New and old grudges, like poisonous vines, grew wildly at this moment, coiling and squeezing his heart.

If it weren't for the scheme orchestrated by Fu Changsheng and his wife back then, he wouldn't have been dismissed from his post and ended up in this godforsaken place, Zhenmo Pass.

What's most hateful is that Fu Changsheng, that little beast, used some means to get Yan Zhenren to side with him, cutting off his escape route from this hellish place, Zhenmo Pass.

This time, we can settle both old and new scores together.

"You choose the path to heaven but refuse to take it, you insist on forcing your way into hell." He slowly turned around, a gentle smile appearing on his face, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. Instead, it sent a chill down the spines of the guards below. "In this Demon Suppression Pass, I can make Fu Changlei disappear without a trace. You, Fu Changsheng... are you going to be an exception?"

The servant cautiously said, "My lord, I've heard that Fu Changsheng has already reached the fourth level of the Golden Core stage..."

"Golden Core Level 4?!" Li Wanhu's smile froze abruptly, and an indescribable surge of jealousy welled up in his heart.

He vividly remembered being tricked during Fu Changsheng's Golden Core tribulation, so it left a deep impression. How many years had passed? A mere few decades! For a Golden Core cultivator, it was merely a slightly longer period of seclusion! This person had actually broken through to the mid-Golden Core stage? What terrifying talent! Even among the core disciples painstakingly cultivated by the aristocratic families of the capital, he would be considered an outstanding figure!
"Well... well, Fu Changsheng!" Li Wanhu's voice was forced out through clenched teeth, his previous composure replaced by a profound sense of crisis. This boy's potential is too great; if he is not eliminated today, he will surely become a major threat in the future, and then he himself will likely be the one who dies without a burial place!

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, and once again donned his usual seemingly refined and composed mask. Only his eyes grew increasingly sinister and cold.

“We can’t rush it…” He walked to the desk and sat down, his fingertips tapping lightly on the smooth surface, making a rhythmic tapping sound. “Since he’s here to find Fu Changlei, he won’t be leaving anytime soon. The more so, the less we should act hastily.”

He seemed to be speaking to his retainers, or perhaps admonishing himself.

“Fu Changsheng is no ordinary man, and his status as a sixth-rank imperial inspector is even more sensitive. To take action against him, we must have a foolproof plan, a… ‘perfect’ reason.” Li Wanhu’s eyes gleamed with calculation. “He must die in a way that is reasonable, so that… no one can find fault with him, and they will even be grateful to me for ridding the people of a scourge and eliminating a traitor for the country!”

A slow smile crept onto his lips, as if he could already see the "perfect" plan.

“Go,” he ordered, “report to me everything that Fu Changsheng has done since his arrival, down to the smallest detail. Who he met, what he said, where he went… I need to know all of that.”

"Yes!" The servant accepted the order and quietly withdrew.

The study returned to silence.

Li Wanhu sat alone in the shadows, his fingertips caressing a cold tiger tally. The fake smile on his face finally vanished, leaving only naked killing intent.

“Fu Changsheng…” he murmured to himself, his voice icy and chilling, “This Demon Suppression Pass will be your burial ground. I… will certainly prepare a ‘grand gift’ for you.”

...

...

Zhenmo Pass - Zhenjun Hall
A few days later, Fu Changsheng, introduced by Commander Chi, entered the palace where Zhenyuan Zhenjun resided.

The main hall was spacious and solemn, without excessive luxury decorations. Only the four walls were engraved with intricate and ancient array patterns, silently absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and faintly connected to the massive defensive system of the entire Demon Suppression Pass. The air was heavy, and the spiritual energy was so dense that it was almost tangible, with each breath carrying immense pressure.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun sat upright on the cloud platform at the head of the table, his aura as deep as the sea, subtly blending with the energy of the entire hall and even the entire pass. His face was simple and ancient, his eyes gentle and peaceful, without the slightest hint of sharpness, yet he possessed a majestic presence that captivated people.

Fu Changsheng stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Junior Fu Changsheng pays respects to Zhenyuan Zhenjun." His attitude was respectful, yet without the slightest hint of flattery or timidity; his demeanor was composed, and his manner was perfectly measured. This was not his first time meeting a Nascent Soul Zhenjun, and he knew that such beings valued character and potential more than outward displays of trepidation.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun's gaze fell on Fu Changsheng, and he nodded slightly. His voice was calm but carried a power that penetrated the heart: "Envoy Fu, there is no need for formalities. Chi Yan has already informed me of your matter." When he mentioned Commander Chi, he used a title that seemed more intimate.

"Thank you for your concern, True Lord." Fu Changsheng straightened up and met his gaze calmly.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun sighed softly, his sigh carrying a hint of imperceptible heaviness: "Regarding your younger brother Fu Changlei... I personally went to the depths of Ghost Cry Ravine, and even followed the traces of spatial fluctuations for hundreds of miles, venturing deep into the heart of the Demon Realm."

He paused briefly, and the atmosphere in the hall became even more solemn.

"The residual demonic energy and spatial fluctuations at the scene are extremely strange, not the work of ordinary demonic cultivators, but more like... the methods of certain special branches of the demon race. Sometimes they are not simply killing, but..." Zhenyuan Zhenjun looked at Fu Changsheng, his eyes carrying a hint of warning, "...abducting human cultivators with potential or special aptitudes."

Fu Changsheng's heart sank slightly, but his expression remained calm as he waited for what was to come.

“If you are truly abducted to the depths of the Demon Realm,” Zhenyuan Zhenjun’s voice slowed, each word clear, “even if you are found, after being tainted by demonic energy and having your soul eroded… you will probably no longer be the Fu Changlei of the past. You need to be mentally prepared.”

These words were spoken euphemistically, but their meaning was extremely cruel—Fu Changlei was likely either dead or had become a demon and was no longer his brother.

Fu Changsheng remained silent for a moment, a turbulent emotion surging in the depths of his eyes, but it quickly returned to calm. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your frankness, True Lord. Regardless of my fourth brother's current situation, whether he is alive or dead... he needs a definite explanation. This is a family matter, and it is also my responsibility as his elder brother."

A hint of appreciation flashed in Zhenyuan Zhenjun's eyes, clearly indicating his approval of Fu Changsheng's character. He refrained from further persuasion and instead said, "Since your mind is made up, I will not force you. Recently, the Sky-Patrolling Mirror observed that three Golden Core stage demons have been frequently active and their movements are elusive near the place where Changlei disappeared. The pass has already listed them as a top-tier extermination mission."

He raised his hand, and a jade slip floated lightly to Fu Changsheng's front.

"You may accept this mission and go to investigate. Firstly, to eliminate the demonic threat, and secondly... perhaps to find some clues. But be careful, as the area is not very stable after the last incident, and the demonic energy is even more restless."

Fu Changsheng took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. Inside were detailed instructions for the mission and a map of the region.

"This junior understands." Fu Changsheng put away the jade slip and bowed again. "Thank you for your guidance, True Lord."

"Go." Zhenyuan Zhenjun waved his hand, closed his eyes again, and his aura merged with the entire hall once more, as if he had transformed into a silent mountain. "Be careful in everything, and prioritize your own safety."

...

...

雷墟
The dungeon was cold and damp. Fu Changlei struggled to open his eyes. His meridians felt as if they were rusted and blocked. The surging lightning and star power he used to possess had vanished without a trace, and an unprecedented sense of weakness enveloped him. He tried to clench his fist, but even raising his arm was extremely difficult.

"Brother Changlei, you're awake!" A Li's joyful voice rang out from the side. She held a piece of lightning crystal that was emitting a soft glow in her hand and carefully placed it on his forehead. "Don't move. Elder Mo used 'Spirit-Eroding Powder' on you, which can seal all spiritual energy sources. Fortunately, this lightning crystal seems to be somewhat useful..."

Fu Changlei took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. His voice was slightly hoarse from weakness: "...Thank you." His gaze swept over Ali and the sturdy, honest-looking boy Tiezhu behind her. "This place is not safe to stay for long."

“I know.” Ali’s eyes were firm. “Elder Mo will not let this go. We must leave Yunshan City and go to Tianwang City, which is a thousand miles away! There are rules there that can protect us. Moreover, the ‘Pure Spirit Spring’ in the city may be able to cure the poison in your body.”

She quickly explained the plan. Tie Zhu nodded emphatically beside her and said in a deep voice, "Sister, I'll listen to you! Brother Fu is a good man; he saved me. I'll go with you!"

"Before you leave, there is one more thing." Fu Changlei looked at Ali, "Could you take the original inscription of the Ancient Thunder Scripture from your clan with you?" He knew the value of that broken stele, which might be the key to his recovery or even further progress.

After a moment's thought, a resolute glint flashed in Ali's eyes: "That broken stele has long been abandoned in the ruins of the ancestral hall, and no one cares about it. Wait for me!" Her figure nimbly disappeared into the night, and soon she returned carrying a heavy stone slab tightly wrapped in coarse cloth.

"How do we get there? It's a thousand miles away. If Elder Mo finds out we're missing, he'll definitely send people after us..." Tie Zhu said with some worry.

Ali walked to the edge of the cliff, put her fingers in her mouth, and let out a clear and melodious whistle. A moment later, a snow-white, magnificent crane broke through the clouds and landed quietly, affectionately nuzzling Ali's hand with its head.

“This is a Celestial Cloud Crane. I rescued it when I was a child and have been secretly raising it in the valley.” Ali stroked the crane’s feathers. “Although it only has the cultivation level of Qi Refining, it flies extremely fast and can barely carry the three of us.”

Without further hesitation, the three quickly climbed onto the crane's back. The Immortal Cloud Crane let out a clear cry, spread its wings, and silently took off on the night breeze, leaving the silent Cloud Mountain City far behind.

The wind was biting cold at high altitude.

Although the crane flew fast, it was still carrying a heavy load, making its flight unstable. Tie Zhu gripped the crane's feathers tightly, his face pale, but he clenched his teeth and remained silent.

Fu Changlei sat firmly on the crane's back. Even though he had lost his cultivation, his composure, honed by countless trials and tribulations, remained undiminished. He gazed at the boundless, gloomy world before him and asked, "Miss Ali, what is the specific situation of Tianwang City? Is it controlled by the Elders' Council, like Yunshan City?" He needed to confirm that this was not a case of escaping one danger only to fall into another.

Ali gathered her wind-blown hair and recalled the records in the tattered ancient texts of her clan: "According to the records, Heavenly King City is completely different from us. The city lord possesses supreme power, but rarely interferes in specific affairs. The city implements a 'points system'."

"A points system?" Fu Changlei's eyes flickered slightly; this was indeed a novel concept.

“Yes.” Ali explained in detail, “Regardless of background, as long as you can contribute to the city, you can earn points. Repairing houses, patrolling and guarding, refining pills, going out to explore... even providing intelligence from the outside world. All resources, cultivation techniques, and even residence rights within the city must be exchanged for points. Moreover, points are bound to personal identity, so they cannot be stolen or traded, completely eliminating the possibility of the strong bullying the weak.”

She paused, a hint of longing in her eyes: "The records say that private fights are not allowed there, and disputes are arbitrated by the city guards. As long as you work hard to earn points, you can live a stable life. So many people who are being hunted down or have no home try every means to go to Tianwang City."

After listening, Fu Changlei pondered for a moment. No questions asked about origins, orderly, and rewarded for labor... This did indeed sound like an ideal refuge, even a haven of peace in this despairing Thunder Ruins.

……

The Immortal Cloud Crane had been flying for two days and two nights. Even with its extraordinary talent, carrying three people through this desolate land shrouded in demonic energy and thin in spiritual energy, it showed signs of fatigue. Its snow-white feathers lost some of their luster, and its flight altitude decreased considerably, almost gliding along the jagged and strange mountain ridges and withered forests.

Tie Zhu gripped the crane's feathers tightly, watching the scene below with intense anxiety. Occasionally, strange creatures corrupted by demonic energy could be seen writhing in the shadows. Once, a monstrous snake with bone wings suddenly leaped from the withered forest, nearly pecking at the Immortal Cloud Crane's claws. Fortunately, Ali reacted swiftly, unleashing a faint bolt of lightning—a residual power within her bloodline. Though weak, it precisely repelled the monstrous snake.

Fu Changlei witnessed all of this.

“Stop and rest.” Fu Changlei spoke, his voice still hoarse, but with an undeniable determination. “Xianyunhe needs to recover, and so do you.” He looked at Ali.

Ah Li still wanted to insist: "Brother Chang Lei, we can't stop yet, Elder Mo's people might..."

“The pursuers may not be as fast as the Immortal Cloud Crane, but if they are exhausted, or if you fall, then we will be in real danger,” Fu Changlei calmly analyzed. “Let’s find a secluded place and rest for the night.”

Looking into his calm gaze, Ali felt her anxiety subside somewhat. She nodded and guided the fairy crane to land in a hidden crevice in a canyon, concealed by huge black rocks, making it difficult to spot.

Tie Zhu immediately got to work, moving stones to quickly build a makeshift wall, and vigilantly guarding the entrance to the crack. This honest-looking boy was now completely focused.

Ali took out some dry food and a water pouch and handed them to Fu Changlei. She then stroked the Immortal Cloud Crane tenderly and fed it a few of her treasured spirit herb seeds.

Fu Changlei did not refuse, slowly chewing the dry jerky, but his gaze fell on the broken stele of the Ancient Thunder Scripture wrapped in coarse cloth.

"Ah Li, help me open it."

Ali did as he was told, untying the coarse cloth to reveal the stone tablet engraved with ancient lightning patterns. Even with all his spiritual power gone, Fu Changlei could still sense the vast and ancient meaning contained within it. He stretched out his fingers and gently traced the deep lines.

Unable to use his spiritual power, he used his remaining divine sense, combined with his past insights from cultivating the Ancient Origin Thunder Scripture, to memorize and ponder these most primitive texts. The patterns under his fingertips seemed to come alive, rearranging and combining in his mind, corroborating the chapters he already knew, and even... filling in some gaps.

He was so engrossed in watching that he forgot the passage of time. The night passed quickly, and his face grew even paler from the exhaustion of his spiritual energy, but a faint yet stubborn light shone in his deep eyes.

"Let's go," he suddenly said, ending his rest period.

Ali and Tiezhu were somewhat surprised by his urgency, but they didn't ask any further questions. The three of them boarded the Immortal Cloud Crane again and continued their journey.

After flying for another half day, the scenery ahead suddenly changed. No longer a desolate and lifeless land, a huge purple tundra emitting a faint glow appeared on the horizon. On the tundra, the outline of a majestic city could be vaguely seen, and a transparent energy shield seemed to be shrouded above it, keeping out the pervasive demonic energy.

"Heavenly King City! We're almost there!" Tie Zhu exclaimed excitedly.

Ali breathed a sigh of relief, a hopeful smile appearing on her face.

However, just as the fairy crane attempted to fly over the purple tundra, a sudden change occurred!

The tundra below suddenly writhed violently, and dozens of thick, slimy purple vines burst forth from the ground like crazed giant pythons, rushing straight at the celestial cranes in the sky! These vines emitted a strange suction force, which could actually draw in the surrounding demonic energy, forming an invisible swamp, making it extremely difficult for the celestial cranes to fly.

"It's Demon-Eating Moss! They attack any living thing with spiritual energy!" Ali exclaimed, gathering a faint burst of lightning in her hand again, attempting to cleave the vines.

But there were too many vines; cutting one off only resulted in more wrapping around it. A vine suddenly wrapped around the crane's ankle, and the immense pulling force caused the crane to let out a mournful cry as it plummeted downwards!

Tie Zhu roared and tried to tear the slippery vines with his bare hands, but his palms were burned by the demonic energy attached to them.

They were about to fall into that terrible tundra, where they would surely be devoured by countless vines!
(End of this chapter)