Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 570 Dual Evolution, Reshaping the Foundation, the Treasure of the Witch Clan
Inside the secret chamber of the patriarch's mansion, layers of restrictions were activated, isolating the inside from the outside.

Fu Changsheng sat cross-legged, holding the ancestral jade pendant he had obtained from Yu Peipei in his palm. The jade pendant was warm to the touch, and its material resembled jade but was not jade. Its surface was smooth, but only a faint, almost imperceptible golden light could be seen deep within its center. If one did not carefully examine it with their divine sense, they would not be able to detect anything unusual.

With a slight thought, his figure vanished from the secret chamber and appeared atop the Spirit Mountain in the Five Elements Space.

The space was brimming with spiritual energy and vitality. But he paid no attention to anything else; his entire mind was focused on the jade pendant. His eyes gleamed with spiritual light, and his powerful divine sense, like the finest carving knife, slowly penetrated the jade pendant, dissecting its hidden secrets.

"Om..."

As his divine sense deepened, the previously dormant golden light seemed to awaken a ferocious beast, suddenly bursting forth with an incomparably sharp aura! In an instant, Fu Changsheng seemed to hear a sword cry, clear and resonant, penetrating straight to his soul!
A sword intent, incomparably pure and refined, carrying the will to cleave through all things and be indestructible, suddenly burst forth from the jade pendant!
"It really is the [Gengjin Sword Intent]!"

Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed with a sharp light, revealing a hint of understanding and joy. This level of sword intent could not have been left behind by an ordinary cultivator; it must have been sealed here by an ancient master who specialized in the metal element sword path, waiting for a destined person.

This sword intent was extremely domineering.

As soon as it appeared, it stirred up the space, its sharp aura seemingly cutting through the spiritual energy within.

However, at this moment——

"Swish..."

Not far away, the Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus, with its body carved like jade and nine leaves of different shapes and sharp edges like divine swords, seemed to smell an unparalleled delicacy. All the leaves trembled excitedly and made a soft sound like the clash of metal.

There was absolutely no need for Fu Changsheng to guide them.

One of the leaves of the Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus suddenly unfurled, its veins glowing with a brilliant green light, generating a powerful suction force that, like a whale sucking in water, precisely enveloped the wisp of Gengjin sword intent that was trying to wreak havoc!
The domineering Gengjin sword intent, in the face of this targeted suction force, was as if it had met its nemesis. After struggling for a moment, it let out a mournful cry and was forcibly extracted from the jade pendant, turning into a condensed golden stream that instantly disappeared into the leaf of the Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus!
"Om-!"

The Nine-Leaf Sword Mushroom trembled violently, bursting forth with unprecedented brilliance. Green and gold colors intertwined and flowed, and powerful sword intent waves spread outwards from it, causing the spiritual energy of the entire Five Elements Space to tremble.

Fu Changsheng clearly saw that at the root of the Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus, with the injection of vast energy and the complete fusion of that Gengjin sword intent, the fourth leaf, which was originally somewhat illusory, rapidly solidified, grew, and unfolded at a speed visible to the naked eye!
This newly sprouted leaf is similar in shape to the other three, yet different. A faint golden luster flows through its veins, and its edges are sharper than before. The sword intent it exudes carries a unique sharpness and decisiveness characteristic of Geng metal!
At the same time, a sudden realization dawned on Fu Changsheng.

The Nine-Leaf Sword Mushroom absorbed the Gengjin sword intent, greatly increasing its essence and evolving its abilities. Now, the cost required to summon the [Sword Soul], comparable to a powerful attack from a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, has been significantly reduced!
What used to require sacrificing two years of lifespan has now been reduced to just—

"One year of lifespan is enough to summon a breath of sword spirit!"

Fu Changsheng sensed this change, and a satisfied smile slowly curved his lips. The cost had been greatly reduced, meaning this trump card could be used more flexibly.

Emerging from space.

Fu Changsheng sent a message to Fu Yongpeng.

According to previous intelligence, there is another opportunity.

...

...

Inside the patriarch's mansion, Fu Changsheng sat upright, his gaze calmly fixed on his son, Fu Yongpeng, who stood respectfully below. Fu Yongpeng had already reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, but he had yet to break through to the Purple Mansion stage, and a hint of frustration and anxiety inevitably lingered between his brows.

Fu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

He didn't want to see his descendants harbor resentment towards the family due to stagnant cultivation, following in Fu Yongqiang's footsteps. He was even more afraid that this mindset would be exploited by those with ulterior motives. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly spoke:
"Yongpeng".

“Father! Your son is here!” Fu Yongpeng immediately bowed and answered, feeling somewhat uneasy, wondering why his father had suddenly summoned him.

“You’ve been stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage for some time now.” Fu Changsheng’s voice was unreadable. “I have a task for you to handle. If you can do it well, I will help you break through to the Purple Mansion stage.”

Fu Yongpeng suddenly looked up, his eyes instantly gleaming with unbelievable joy. His voice trembled with excitement as he exclaimed, "Father! You...you're telling the truth? Please give your orders, Father! I will do anything, even die for you!"

“I don’t need you to die ten thousand deaths,” Fu Changsheng said calmly. “Your wife comes from the Wu family. I’ve heard that the Wu family has a treasure called the ‘Mountain and River Screen.’ I want you to exchange this item for the Fu family. Once you succeed, I will prepare for your Purple Mansion.”

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongpeng was first stunned, then overjoyed! His father had finally taken him seriously again! And had given him such a clear task and promise! He almost cried with joy, and quickly patted his chest to assure him:

"Father, rest assured! Your son will go to the Wu family right away! I will definitely retrieve the Mountain and River Screen for you!"

“Remember,” Fu Changsheng’s tone turned cold, carrying a warning, “it’s an ‘exchange,’ not a forced take. You must not use my name or the power of the family to coerce us. You must offer a reasonable price so that the Wu family will willingly make the exchange. If I find out that you have resorted to trickery or extortion, you know the consequences.”

Fu Yongpeng's excited expression froze, replaced by a troubled look. Without using the family's name, how could a Foundation Establishment cultivator like himself possibly acquire someone else's family's most prized treasure? But seeing the unwavering determination in his father's eyes, he finally nodded emphatically:
"Yes... I understand, and I will certainly follow Father's wishes."

After leaving the patriarch's mansion, Fu Yongpeng's excitement subsided slightly, replaced by a sense of heaviness. He returned to his own courtyard and found his wife, Wu.

When Wu saw her husband return, her expression was complicated. Although she had some reservations about his previous behavior, their decades-long marriage still lasted. After listening to Fu Yongpeng's hesitant explanation of his purpose, she frowned.

“The Mountain and River Screen?” Madam Wu pondered. “That is indeed a treasure of my Wu family. It is said to contain profound mysteries. But this thing has long been out of my father’s hands. It is most likely treasured by our ancestor. You and I are just ordinary people. Even if we go back, my father cannot make the decision.”

She glanced at her husband's anxious yet eager expression and sighed, "This matter... I'm afraid we'll have to ask a Golden Core elder from the clan to act as an intermediary for there to be any chance of success, and the 'price' offered must be enough to move the ancestor."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongpeng felt a chill run down his spine.

Please ask Elder Jindan to speak on his behalf?

How easy is this!
After much deliberation, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go and beg my fourth aunt! Maybe she'll help me out of our aunt-niece relationship!"

Fu Yongpeng reluctantly requested an audience with Fu Changli.

To his surprise, Fu Changli agreed without much hesitation after hearing his request.

“The Wu family is related to your wife’s family, so it’s reasonable for me to go. But whether it will succeed depends on the Wu family patriarch’s will and the conditions we offer. You need to be prepared.” Fu Changli’s tone was calm, but he pointed out the key point.

……

A few days later, Fu Changli took Fu Yongpeng and his wife to the Wu family.

The Wu family patriarch, who is also Wu's father, was naturally extremely warm and hospitable to the newly promoted Golden Core cultivator Fu Changli who came to visit him in person.

A fourth-grade Golden Core cultivator is someone who commands respect wherever he is placed.

After the guests and hosts were seated and exchanged pleasantries, Fu Changli tactfully explained his purpose and stated that the Fu family was willing to exchange valuable treasures or resources for his visit.

Upon hearing that they had come for the "Mountain and River Screen," Chief Wu's enthusiastic smile immediately turned somewhat forced and awkward.

“Changli Zhenren, Yongpeng, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help,” Clan Chief Wu said with a wry smile. “It’s just that the Mountain and River Screen is a symbol of the family and has always been personally managed by the Ancestor. We, the younger generation, really have no right to dispose of it. The Ancestor is currently in seclusion, and this matter… I can only report to him and sound out his opinion after he comes out of seclusion. I really can’t guarantee anything.”

In the end, Fu Changli could only return empty-handed with Fu Yongpeng, having received the reply that "we need to wait for the ancestor to emerge from seclusion before we can discuss this further."

On the way back, Fu Yongpeng became increasingly resentful and couldn't help but complain:
"Fourth Aunt, our Fu family is at the height of its power and is about to be promoted to a fifth-rank family! The Wu family is just a sixth-rank family, yet they are so disrespectful! They are making excuses for a mere screen..."

Fu Changli glanced at him, her tone still calm, but with a hint of warning: "Yongpeng, be careful what you say."

"Although my Fu family is on the rise, we are far from being able to order around other families of equal standing at will. Fifth-rank families rely on strength and foundation, not on a reputation for bullying others. It is the Wu family's duty to protect their own treasures. What is wrong with that? If you hold this attitude, not only will you fail to accomplish anything, but you will also make enemies for the family and disappoint your father."

Fu Yongpeng blushed and lowered his head, not daring to say anything more. However, the passion that had been burning in his heart because of his father's attention was extinguished by the cold water of reality, leaving him only with confusion and anxiety.

...

...

The forbidden area behind the Wu family's mountain is shrouded in mist.

Clan Chief Wu stood respectfully before a gaunt-faced, long-breathed old man, none other than the pillar of the Wu family—Old Ancestor Wu. He gave a detailed account of Fu Changli and Fu Yongpeng's visit to request the "Mountain and River Screen."

"Why does the Fu family suddenly want this screen?" Old Ancestor Wu slowly opened his eyes, a hint of doubt flashing in them. This screen had been passed down in the Wu family for many years. Although it was regarded as a treasure, it was more of a symbol, and its actual purpose was long forgotten.

Clan Chief Wu bowed and said, "Reporting to Ancestor, the Fu family clearly stated that it was an 'exchange,' offering valuable treasures or resources, but did not specify the exact purpose, only saying that the family needed them. I think this might be related to the Fu family's upcoming promotion to a fifth-rank family, and their desire to enrich their family's foundation?"

"Enrich our foundation?" Old Ancestor Wu frowned slightly, sensing something amiss. He pondered for a moment, then said, "Bring that screen."

Soon, the treasure called "Mountains and Rivers Screen" was brought out.

It wasn't large; it was more like an exquisite table screen, made of what appeared to be ancient wood or jade. It was carved with blurry mountain and river patterns, and its spiritual energy fluctuations were obscure and unclear. It certainly didn't seem like a powerful offensive or defensive magic weapon.

Old Ancestor Wu and Clan Chief Wu carefully examined the screen inside and out several times, even trying to inject their magic power, but the screen only flashed slightly and then remained still, just like it had been for countless years.

"Strange... Fu Changsheng never does anything without a reason." Old Ancestor Wu muttered to himself, but no matter how he investigated, he couldn't find anything unusual. "Perhaps, I'm just overthinking it?"

He lowered the screen, his gaze becoming more profound: "The current landscape of Wuzhou has changed because of the Fu family. New forces are rising, and established families are also making moves. If my Wu family wants to gain a foothold in this great upheaval, or even go further, the two of us at the Golden Core stage are far from enough. The family needs more Golden Core cultivators."

He looked at the Wu clan chief and made a decision: "This screen, if left in our hands, will ultimately just be a decoration. Since the Fu family wants it, then give it to them."

Clan Chief Wu was startled: "Ancestor, this..."

Old Ancestor Wu raised his hand to interrupt him: "But it's not free. Go tell the Fu family that the screen can be given to them, but my Wu family needs a 'Core Formation Spiritual Object' as a substitute! Whether it can help the next generation form a Core depends on individual fate, but my Wu family needs this hope."

……

The Fu family home, in Fu Yongpeng's small courtyard.

The clan chief Wu came in person to inform the patriarch of Wu of his decision.

"What?! A Core Formation Spiritual Treasure?!" Upon hearing this condition, Fu Yongpeng almost jumped up, his face filled with shock and disbelief. "Father-in-law! This...this is simply outrageous! How precious is a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure? How could it...how could it be exchanged for a mere screen? I...I cannot make this decision!"

He felt that the Wu family was clearly taking advantage of the situation to extort money!
A Core Formation Spiritual Object—that was something he wouldn't even dare to dream of. He himself was stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage and didn't even have a Soul-Guiding Pill. How could his family possibly pay such a price for a "useless" screen?

Clan Chief Wu remained calm, even somewhat indifferent, as he observed his son-in-law's discomfiture. He had never expected Fu Yongpeng to make the decision; Fu Yongpeng's cultivation and status were both at the bottom of the Fu family's core, making him merely a messenger.

"My dear son-in-law, there's no need to be agitated. I know you cannot make a decision on this matter. Just tell Master Fu what I have to say." Clan Chief Wu's tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable air.

After seeing off Chief Wu, Fu Yongpeng sat alone in the room, his face pale and ashen.

Chief Wu's calm and indifferent gaze was like a needle, deeply piercing him.

At that moment, he realized with absolute clarity that even with the powerful Fu family behind him, his own strength was insignificant, making him an insignificant figure. In real negotiations, he didn't even have the right to bargain, and the other party wouldn't even bother to waste words on him.

He couldn't get a seemingly ordinary screen that his father specifically requested for the family on his own; the family had to give up a precious Core Formation item instead.

Can he make any significant contribution to the family?
No.

What right does he have to resent that family resources are not tilted towards him?

He suddenly understood.

His father gave him this task not because he expected him to successfully retrieve the screen.

The father wanted to use the most realistic way to teach him a lesson, to make him see his own position, understand his own insignificance and inadequacy, give up those unrealistic fantasies and resentments that might arise, and from then on, put away his thoughts and live an honest and upright life.

Figured this out.

The resentment and anger that Fu Yongpeng felt due to the thwarted mission vanished instantly, replaced by a cold clarity and deep shame.

Without further hesitation, he straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and with unprecedented respect and composure, went to the patriarch's mansion to seek an audience with his father, Fu Changsheng. This time, he was followed by Patriarch Wu, who was waiting for a reply.

“Father.” Fu Yongpeng entered the study, bowed deeply, and spoke calmly and sincerely, “Clan Chief Wu has brought the Wu family’s reply. The Wu family is willing to exchange the Mountain and River Screen for a Core Formation Spiritual Object. This matter is of great importance, and I am incompetent and unable to make a decision, nor do I dare to conceal it. Therefore, I am reporting this to you, Father, and request your decision.”

He adopted an extremely humble posture, completely devoid of his previous restlessness and resentment, as if he were merely dutifully delivering a message. Fu Changsheng raised his eyes, his gaze lingering on his son's face for a moment, and saw the clarity that had faded from his son's eyes after the removal of his superficiality, and nodded slightly.

His son finally understood some of his good intentions.

...

...

The atmosphere in the study of the patriarch's mansion was somewhat tense.

Clan Chief Wu braced himself and stated his ancestor's conditions, prepared for haggling and even reprimand. The price of a Core Formation spiritual item in exchange for a screen of unknown function was indeed excessive.

Fu Changsheng sat upright, listening to Clan Chief Wu's conditions. His face showed no anger, only a faint smile, revealing nothing of his thoughts. He did not directly answer whether he agreed or not, but instead, with a flick of his wrist, a jade ruler, radiant with light and exuding an astonishing aura, appeared in his palm.

"Clan Chief Wu, what do you think of this treasure?" Fu Changsheng asked calmly. "This is a mid-grade fourth-tier 'Mysterious Turtle Sea-Suppressing Ruler,' combining offense and defense with considerable power. If the Wu family is interested, I am willing to exchange this treasure for a Core Formation spiritual item."

Chief Wu's pupils contracted, and his breathing became more rapid!
A mid-grade fourth-tier magic weapon!

This is a priceless treasure that can greatly enhance the combat power of a Golden Core cultivator!
Fu Changsheng's meaning was crystal clear—a practical fourth-tier magic weapon was only exchanged for a Core Formation spiritual item, so why did the Wu family demand an item of equal value for their screen of unknown purpose?
The scarcity of a Core Formation Spiritual Object far surpasses that of a finished magic weapon. The latter can be crafted, but the former is mostly bestowed by heaven and earth, and is something that can only be encountered by chance.

Clan Chief Wu's face immediately flushed. Knowing he was in the wrong, he lowered his stance even further and gritted his teeth, saying, "What Clan Chief Fu said is absolutely right. I was being presumptuous. But the Ancestor's order... Alas, I wonder, Clan Chief Fu... what do you think would be a more suitable exchange?" He completely handed over the initiative to Fu Changsheng.

Fu Changsheng seemed to have considered this beforehand. He put away his magical artifact, tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, and slowly said, "Since that's the case, I won't make things difficult for Clan Chief Wu. I remember that among the nobles, there is a 'Seven Heart Begonia' that is several hundred years old?"

Clan Chief Wu's heart skipped a beat. That spiritual plant was one of the Wu family's treasures, a key ingredient for refining various high-grade elixirs. He cautiously replied, "It does exist."

“Alright.” Fu Changsheng nodded. “My condition is that the Wu family hand over this Seven Heart Begonia to my Fu family. In return, once the pill is refined, I will give your Wu family two ‘Seven Heart Pills’.”

Upon hearing this, Chief Wu was taken aback at first, then his eyes suddenly lit up with surprise!
Seven-Heart Pill! This is one of the spiritual items that can assist in the formation of the Golden Core, and its quality is extremely high! Previously, the Wu family exchanged the pill formula for the Fu family's help in refining pills, and they only promised one finished pill. Now, Fu Changsheng is asking for two!
What does this mean? It means that the Wu family exchanged a precious but temporarily unnecessary main medicinal herb for double the amount of finished Core Formation spiritual material! This is an incredible deal! It's like the Fu family gave them a Core Formation spiritual material for free and even helped them refine it! This condition is far better than they originally hoped for! Not only does it save face for their ancestor, but it also genuinely increases the family's hope for Core Formation!
"Is what Master Fu said true?!" Clan Chief Wu's voice trembled with excitement, afraid that he had misheard.

"I, Fu, have never spoken falsehoods," Fu Changsheng said calmly.

"We agree! We agree!" Clan Chief Wu agreed without hesitation, fearing that Fu Changsheng might change his mind. He solemnly took out the ancient "Mountains and Rivers Screen" from his storage ring and presented it with both hands: "This treasure will henceforth belong to Patriarch Fu! As for the Seven-Heart Begonia, I will immediately order someone to carefully retrieve it and send it to your residence as soon as possible!"

Fu Changsheng took the screen, which felt slightly heavy in his hand. He scanned it with his divine sense and found nothing unusual on the surface, so he nodded slightly: "It's acceptable."

With the deal concluded, Chief Wu was overjoyed. He thanked everyone profusely and took his leave, his steps becoming much lighter, feeling that the trip had been well worth it.

...

...

The Five Elements Space, at the summit of Mount Ling.

Fu Changsheng appeared quietly, holding the seemingly ancient and unadorned landscape screen in his hands.

However, the moment the screen appeared in the space, a sudden change occurred!

The Mountain and River Clan-Suppressing Cauldron, which had been quietly suspended in the center of the space, suppressing the spiritual veins of the four directions, seemed to be awakened by an invisible force, suddenly emitting a deep and excited hum! The mountain and river patterns carved on the cauldron suddenly lit up, emitting a strong suction and desire, and the entire cauldron trembled slightly uncontrollably, resonating strongly with the screen in Fu Changsheng's hand!

"Huh?" Fu Changsheng looked surprised. He hadn't expected that there was such a profound connection between the two items.

"Master! Master!" Qiu Niang's figure materialized instantly, her pretty face filled with surprise and excitement. She pointed at the humming cauldron and the screen in Fu Changsheng's hand, "I sensed it! This screen... the aura of this screen is from the same source as the Mountain and River Town Clan Cauldron! It... it seems to have originally been part of the cauldron! If we can get them to merge again, there might be unexpected surprises!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng's gaze narrowed slightly.

He examined the screen in his hands again, his divine sense slowly penetrating its core. Sure enough, inside the screen, he discovered an extremely hidden restriction, almost integrated with the material itself. He carefully activated it using a specific method.

hum!
A shimmering light appeared on the screen's surface, and the carved mountain and river patterns rippled outwards like water, eventually coalescing into a fragmented yet ancient map of light and shadow. In the center of the map, three blurry but ancient characters, imbued with a sense of vastness, were faintly discernible—【Fallen Star Island】.

"Falling Star Island..." Fu Changsheng memorized the name of the place. Although he did not know its exact location, it must be extraordinary to be hidden in such a way.

Putting away the map's lighting effects, Fu Changsheng no longer hesitated.

He formed a hand seal, drawing upon the primordial power of the Five Elements Space to envelop the Mountain and River Screen, and uttered a low shout:
"melt!"

The mountain and river screen transformed into a streak of earthy yellow light, like a weary bird returning to its forest or a stream flowing into the sea, and actively swam towards the trembling mountain and river clan-protecting cauldron, instantly disappearing into its body!

Boom! ! !

The entire Five Elements Space trembled violently! A deafening roar, as if the heavens and earth were being created, emanated from within the cauldron!

The Mountain and River Town Clan Cauldron burst forth with unprecedented brilliance, and the patterns on its body became incredibly clear and vivid, as if a vast landscape was truly evolving within it! The size of the cauldron seemed to have not changed much, but the aura it emitted became incredibly profound, boundless, and vast!
The most astonishing change followed—

The concentration of spiritual energy inside the space began to skyrocket!
The original peak fourth-order spiritual vein was as if injected with a powerful stimulant, breaking through the barrier and advancing to the fifth-order spiritual vein in one fell swoop!
The abundant and pure spiritual energy almost materialized into a spiritual mist, permeating the entire space. With each breath, one could feel their cultivation subtly increasing! This was already a blessed land sufficient to support the cultivation of a Nascent Soul True Monarch!
At the same time, the [Dragon Transformation Pool] located at the core of the cauldron also greatly increased its efficacy. As the pool water surged, accompanied by streams of primordial yellow energy, it once again condensed twenty-four [Primordial Yellow Spirit Pills] the size of dragon eyes, covered with pill patterns, and radiating immense energy!
"Roar!"

"Chirp—!"

"Oooh!"

All the spirit pets within the space were alarmed by this earth-shattering change.

The proud Seven-Colored Glazed Beast raised its head from its perched spirit tree, a hint of surprise and satisfaction flashing in its glassy eyes. The憨厚 (honest and simple) Flying Feather Beast flapped its wings, letting out cheerful cries. The lively Ice Flame curiously circled the cauldron, sensing the rich spiritual energy. Even the Chaos Beast, which usually lazily dozed off, opened its sleepy eyes, comfortably inhaled the spiritual energy of the fifth-tier spiritual vein, snorted, shifted to a more comfortable position, and continued to lie there, its tail tip swaying gently with pleasure.

All the spirit beasts were overjoyed. They knew that this world had become stronger, which would be of great benefit to their growth!
Fu Changsheng felt a surge of joy as he witnessed the dramatic changes in the space. This transaction had yielded far more than he had expected!

……

After withdrawing his mind from the Five Elements Space, Fu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then focused his attention on the [Offspring Spiritual Root Enhancement] panel in his sea of ​​consciousness:

"Use contribution points to improve Fu Yongpeng's spiritual root aptitude."

"Ding--"

"Contribution points consumed, target Fu Yongpeng, spiritual root aptitude upgrade complete."

Then a line of text appeared:

[Fu Yongpeng: Spiritual Root Aptitude (80/100)]

After doing all this, Fu Changsheng ordered Fu Yongpeng to be summoned.

A moment later, Fu Yongpeng respectfully entered the study. After the previous incident, the restlessness between his brows had disappeared, replaced by a more composed demeanor.

Fu Changsheng looked at him and tossed him a jade bottle.

"This is the Soul-Guiding Pill, which can help you condense your soul power and break through to the Purple Mansion Realm. Take it. Begin your seclusion today. You may not leave until you enter the Purple Mansion Realm."

Fu Yongpeng took the jade bottle and felt the powerful and compatible spiritual energy of the pills inside. His body trembled violently!
He clearly felt that his perception of external spiritual energy had become much sharper, and the originally solid bottleneck seemed to have loosened a bit!
He was unaware that this was the effect of his spiritual root being enhanced.

Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, his father not only did not reprimand him for his poor performance, but also bestowed upon him such a precious elixir to help him break through!
He knelt down with a thud, his eyes welling up with tears, and kowtowed heavily: "Thank you for your great kindness, Father! I will certainly live up to your expectations and achieve a breakthrough!"

"Go ahead." Fu Changsheng waved his hand.

With a firm grip on the jade bottle and an unprecedented sense of determination and excitement, Fu Yongpeng left the study and headed straight for his secluded meditation chamber.

...

...

Fu Changsheng appeared outside Yu Qingru's elegant courtyard. Inside, Yu Qingru, dressed in plain clothes, was leaning against the railing, gazing into the distance. Her gaze was fixed on the direction of her daughter Fu Yongning's secluded chamber. A deep worry lingered between her brows, and she didn't even notice Fu Changsheng approaching.

"Qingru," Fu Changsheng called softly.

Yu Qingru then came to her senses and quickly turned around to curtsy, saying, "Husband."

Her smile seemed forced, and her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the secret room.

Fu Changsheng naturally knew her worries and said gently, "Are you still worried about Ningning?"

Yu Qingru sighed, looking worried:

"My lord, Changli and Ningning both went into seclusion to attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage. Changli has already succeeded and emerged from seclusion several years ago, but Ningning is still showing no signs of progress. I'm truly worried, fearing she's trapped in a tribulation of inner demons..."

Fu Changsheng stepped forward, gently took her slightly cool hand, and comforted her:

"Overcoming the inner demon requires her own unwavering resolve; outsiders can offer little help. All we can do is trust her."

Even so, how can a mother truly be at ease? Yu Qingru remained frowning.

Knowing that her inner turmoil was difficult to resolve, Fu Changsheng stopped talking about Ningning and changed the subject, taking out a jade box. The lid opened, revealing twelve elixirs, each the size of a longan, with a dark yellow hue, deep red patterns, and an indescribable Daoist aura.

"This item is called the [Mysterious Yellow Spirit Pill]. Please take a look." Fu Changsheng handed over the jade box.

Yu Qingru's attention was drawn to it. She carefully took it and tried to sense it, but found that she couldn't see through the pill at all. She only felt that the energy contained within was vast and gentle, and also carried an ancient and chaotic aura. She shook her head in confusion: "Husband, I am good at array formations and know very little about the way of alchemy. I really don't recognize this treasure. I only feel that it is... extremely extraordinary."

Fu Changsheng smiled slightly and explained, "This pill has the miraculous effect of cleansing the marrow and reshaping the foundation of one's Dao. After taking it, it can greatly improve a cultivator's innate talent and even..." He paused, his tone becoming more serious, "...there is a very small probability that it can condense the legendary [Chaotic Dao Foundation]."

"What?! Reshaping the Dao Foundation? The Chaos Dao Foundation?!" Yu Qingru exclaimed in shock, her beautiful eyes widening, her hands holding the jade box trembling slightly. As a cultivator, she understood all too well what a "Dao Foundation" meant! This was simply a divine object capable of defying fate! Its value was immeasurable!
"Husband...this...this is too precious! I..." Yu Qingru's first reaction was to refuse. She felt unworthy to receive such a divine object.

Fu Changsheng looked at her gently but firmly: "Take it. You've been stuck at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm for a long time. Although you have the desire to form your core, you lack confidence because of your own aptitude and foundation. This pill can solve your worries. Don't you want to successfully form your core, live longer, and take care of Ningning for a few more years?"

That last sentence struck a chord deep within Yu Qingru's heart.

She took a deep breath, no longer refusing, and solemnly bowed to Fu Changsheng: "My husband's kindness is beyond words, Qingru is deeply grateful! This kindness and affection will never be forgotten!"

“We are husband and wife, there is no need for thanks.” Fu Changsheng helped her up. “There is no time to lose. I will set up an array for you immediately to help you refine this pill.”

Inside Yu Qingru's meditation room, Fu Changsheng waved his hand and took out several array flags, precisely setting up an auxiliary array to gather spiritual energy and stabilize the medicinal power. The array shimmered with light, enveloping the meditation room.

Yu Qingru sat cross-legged in the center of the formation and swallowed the Xuanhuang Spirit Pill as instructed.

The pill entered her stomach and instantly transformed into a warm current, which then became a powerful yet gentle force that swept through her limbs and bones! Guided by the formation and protected by Fu Changsheng, the medicinal power gently and continuously cleansed her meridians, dantian, and even penetrated deep into the origin of her soul.

Yu Qingru felt as if she were enveloped by a warm mother's body, and every cell was cheering with joy. The subtle hidden injuries left from her previous cultivation, the stagnation in her meridians, and the imperceptible flaws in her Dao foundation were all cleansed, repaired, and reshaped by the Xuanhuang Qi at this moment!
This process is not painful, but rather an extreme sense of comfort and transformation.

After an unknown amount of time, as the last trace of medicinal power was completely absorbed, Yu Qingru slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes shone with a restrained yet crystal-clear light, and her aura was harmonious and transparent, as if she had been reborn! She felt her body was infinitely lighter, and her perception of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth had become more acute than ever before. The seemingly indestructible barrier of her Golden Core now appeared to have loosened considerably!

She successfully rebuilt her Dao foundation, her aptitude improved to a higher level, and her chances of forming a core greatly increased!

"How are you feeling?" Fu Changsheng's voice rang out from the side.

Yu Qingru rose and bowed deeply again. This time, her eyes were filled with confidence and radiance: "Thank you, my husband! I feel... better than ever before!"

...

...

Deep in the southern borderlands, in ancient forests shrouded in miasma.

A slender figure, accompanied by a boy of about ten years old, moved silently through the shadows of the dense forest.

It was Wu Ling'er and her son Fu Yongkong.

On Fu Yongkong's shoulder, a strange Gu worm, its entire body shimmering with a faint light and resembling a fragment of starlight, lay quietly—his companion Star Gu. At this moment, the Star Gu's light fluctuated slightly, indicating some restlessness; it was on the verge of breaking through to the third tier.

"Kong'er, stay close to your mother and keep your breath in check."

Wu Ling'er lowered her voice, cautiously observing her surroundings. They were approaching the territory of the Black Witch Village; she had to be extremely careful.

Her purpose in this journey was to find the hidden Gu worm pool from her memories. It was a record she had accidentally discovered in an ancient scroll when she was still in the Black Witch Village, and it was said to have miraculous effects on Gu worm breakthroughs.

Relying on her hazy memories and the faint connection between the Star Gu and the same source of energy, Wu Ling'er skillfully evaded several patrol posts of the Black Witch Village with her son, eventually arriving at a mountain wall covered by thick vines and poisonous mushrooms.

Break through the natural magic array.

A narrow opening, barely wide enough for one person to pass through, was revealed, and a rich yet not foul, but rather strangely vibrant aura of Gu worms wafted towards us.

"This is it!" Wu Ling'er's eyes lit up with joy, and she was the first to enter, with Fu Yongkong following closely behind.

The cave is a hidden world inside, a small natural grotto.

In the center of the grotto, there is a pool about ten feet in diameter. The water is dark green, with tiny bubbles constantly rising to the surface, emanating a rich vitality and the unique energy fluctuations of the Gu worms. The pool walls are engraved with many ancient Gu patterns that even Wu Ling'er cannot fully recognize.

"Time is of the essence, let's hurry."

Wu Ling'er immediately took out several small flags engraved with twisted runes from her storage bag and quickly set up a concealment and protection array at the entrance of the cave and the edge of the pool to isolate the aura and movement of this place.

Once everything was ready, she looked at the Star Gu on her son's shoulder:

"Go on, little one!"

The Star Gu let out a soft but excited hiss, flapped its wings, and flew into the Gu worm pool.

Pfft!
As the Star Gu submerged in the pool, the dark green water instantly seemed to boil, with countless streams of pure energy surging towards it like rivers flowing into the sea. The Star Gu's body expanded and contracted at a visible speed, its surface glowing intermittently, as if undergoing a painful transformation.

Wu Ling'er was completely focused on protecting the Star Gu, while Fu Yongkong clenched his small fists nervously, barely daring to breathe.

This process lasted for seven days and seven nights.

Finally, at a certain moment, the energy of the pool was completely absorbed, and the water became crystal clear. In the center of the pool, the figure of the Star Gu reappeared!
Its size was larger than before, and its whole body was radiant with light, as if it were made of real stars. What was even more amazing was that after its original two pairs of thin wings, a new pair of even more crystal clear wings had grown out!

Three pairs of star wings! Third-tier star worm!
"Hiss—!" The Star Gu let out a clear, long cry, full of powerful energy. It excitedly flew back to Fu Yongkong's side and affectionately nuzzled his cheek.

Immediately afterwards, a surge of pure and powerful energy flowed from the Star Gu's body into Fu Yongkong's body through the symbiotic contract!

Fu Yongkong's face flushed red instantly, and his spiritual energy fluctuated violently. The barrier of the Qi Refining stage was no match for this power!
boom!
A spiritual pressure of Foundation Establishment stage cultivator emanated from him!
He actually broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage in one fell swoop by taking advantage of the Star Gu's feedback!

"Not bad!" Wu Ling'er stepped forward to check on her son's condition and confirmed that his foundation was solid. He just needed time to adapt to the new realm before she could finally relax.

Overjoyed, Wu Ling'er's gaze inadvertently swept over the dried-up bottom of the pool. The energy of the pool water had been absorbed, revealing the original appearance of the bottom, and it seemed that something that was neither stone nor jade was showing.

A thought struck her, and she brushed away the silt from the bottom of the pool, revealing an ancient, simple manual made of some kind of animal hide. The cover of the manual was blank, with only a few blurry images of Gu worms.

She carefully opened it; the text inside was ancient and obscure, but combined with the illustrations, she could roughly understand it.

(End of this chapter)