Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 571 Eliminating Hidden Dangers, Climbing the Social Ladder, and Offering a Bounty
This seems to be a cultivation method specifically prepared for cultivators who possess companion Gu worms and their Gu worms, a method for combined attack! It even vaguely mentions the legend of the "Twelve Sacred Gu," and describes the morphological characteristics of several of these Sacred Gu.

The more Wu Ling'er looked, the more alarmed she became. Her gaze involuntarily fell on the strange Star Gu on her son's shoulder—one of the sacred Gu forms described in the manual, which was remarkably similar to the Star Gu!
"Could it be..." A startling thought arose in her mind.

She dared not linger there. She carefully put away the manual, erased all traces, and quickly left the cave with her son, who had just broken through, and the Star Gu, disappearing into the dense forest.

About an incense stick's time after they left.

A slender figure appeared silently, like a ghost, beside the dried-up pool of Gu worms.

The newcomer was dressed in the attire of the Black Witch Village's Holy Maiden, her face hidden behind a light veil, only her deep, dark eyes visible. She looked down at the empty pool, then sensed the unique and familiar Starry Night Gu energy lingering in the air, and a meaningful smile slowly crept onto her lips.

"The Star Gu... has finally reappeared? And it even found this place... Wu Ling'er, you really didn't disappoint me. You nurtured the Sacred Gu for me and brought this 'surprise'..."

She murmured to herself, a low laugh lingering, carrying a hint of playful anticipation and a sense of complete control, before her figure slowly blended into the shadows and disappeared.

...

...

Deep within the Fu family residence in Yulin Prefecture.

Wu Ling'er quietly returned with her son, Fu Yongkong. She was restless the entire way; the ancient manual she had unexpectedly acquired was like a hot potato, making her uneasy. While the "Combined Cultivation Method of Companion Gu Insects" contained within the manual was undeniably profound and beneficial to the growth of Xing Gu and Kong'er, the vague mention of the "Twelve Sacred Gu" and the strange location where they were discovered filled her with doubt and vigilance.

"Kong'er, do not practice this method for now." Wu Ling'er solemnly instructed her son, "I will make a decision after your father has reviewed it."

Fu Yongkong nodded obediently. Although he was young, he also felt that the manual was strange.

Wu Ling'er immediately sent an encrypted message to Fu Changsheng, who was far away in Huizhou Prefecture, through a special channel, along with a complete copy of the manual and her doubts.

……

Huizhou Prefecture, the master's secret room.

Fu Changsheng received a message from Wu Ling'er and a rubbing of the secret manual.

He carefully perused this manual, which claimed to greatly enhance the strength of the symbiotic Gu worms and their hosts. With his current knowledge and cultivation, at first glance, he only felt that the technique was ingeniously conceived and the route was unorthodox, yet it seemed to form a system on its own. He did not find any obvious loopholes or traps.

"It seems...there's nothing wrong?"

Fu Changsheng frowned slightly, but he was well aware of the dangers of the cultivation world, especially the unpredictable nature of the Gu insect path. Since Ling'er had specifically sent a message to remind him, she must have her reasons.

Out of absolute caution, Fu Changsheng silently recited in his heart:
"System, activate the [Technique Deduction] panel to analyze and deduce this secret manual."

"Ding--"

"Instructions received. Begin analyzing and deducing the cultivation technique: 'The Sacred Gu Symbiotic Secret Record'..."

"Analyzing... Warning! A fatal flaw has been detected hidden deep within the cultivation technique!"

"Flaw Details: When this cultivation method reaches the Nascent Soul stage of mastery, a 'Gu God Dao Seed' will condense at the core of the cultivator's Nascent Soul. The moment the Dao Seed condenses is also the moment when the creator of the cultivation method (or its designated inheritor) remotely activates the 'Dao-Seizing Secret Technique' through a mysterious causal connection. This technique can plunder the cultivator's entire power, cultivation level, and even the origin of their symbiotic Sacred Gu, feeding back to themselves! At best, the cultivator's cultivation will be completely destroyed; at worst, their soul will be scattered!"

When Fu Changsheng saw the results predicted by the system, a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back!
What a vicious tactic!

What a deep and calculating scheme!

This is practically a deadly technique that benefits others!
If he hadn't had the system, he probably wouldn't even know how he died by the time he reached the Nascent Soul stage!

"System, can you patch this vulnerability and deduce a brand new security secret?" Fu Changsheng immediately asked.

"Ding--"

"Based on the original cultivation technique framework, we are stripping away the 'Gu God Dao Seed' and 'Dao Seizing' related restrictions, and reconstructing the energy cycle and contract core..."

"Deduction complete! A brand new safe cultivation technique has been generated: 'Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Secret Manual'!"

"The Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Secret Manual: It perfectly preserves and optimizes the original cultivation method to enhance the strength of the companion Gu worm and the host, achieving the effect of combined attack amplification. It completely eradicates the hidden danger of stealing the Dao, emphasizing the equal coexistence and life cultivation of the host and companion Gu worm, and ultimately achieving the unity of man and Gu, climbing the Great Dao together. Detailed cultivation methods and precautions are attached."

A vast and comprehensive flow of information surged into Fu Changsheng's sea of ​​consciousness; it was the completely revamped and flawless "Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Manual".

Fu Changsheng breathed a long sigh of relief, still feeling lingering fear. He immediately sent a detailed reply to Wu Ling'er via a communication jade talisman, detailing the fatal flaw deduced by the system and the entire contents of the newly improved "Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Secret Manual".

……

Back in Yulin Prefecture, Wu Ling'er received Fu Changsheng's reply. When she saw words like "fatal flaw," "Nascent Soul stage cultivator seizing the Dao," and "soul scattered," her face turned deathly pale, and her hand trembled, almost causing the jade talisman to fall to the ground.

She was overwhelmed by endless anger and lingering fear!
She simply couldn't imagine what terrible fate awaited her if she had been tempted by the powerful technique and allowed Kong'er to cultivate it, or if her husband hadn't seen through the trap!

fortunately!

Fortunately, my husband is incredibly powerful and can see through such a profound conspiracy, and... he can even completely repair and perfect this ancient and vicious technique.

When she saw the completely new "Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Manual," she was utterly astonished. This new technique not only eliminated all hidden dangers, but its exquisite and profound aspects seemed to surpass even the original!

Wu Ling'er's eyes reddened with emotion, and she immediately replied, "My lord, you have shown me such great kindness! On behalf of Kong'er, I thank you! This kindness is like being given a second life! I will immediately have Kong'er start cultivating this 'Star Gu Heart-to-Heart Secret Manual'!"

She put away the jade talisman, her awe and gratitude towards Fu Changsheng reaching their peak.

At the same time, a chill rose from the bottom of her heart—the Gu worm pool of the Black Witch Village, the secret manual that appeared at just the right time... There must be a huge conspiracy hidden behind this! And her Star Gu and Kong'er seem to have been targeted for a long time.

She clenched her fists, her eyes becoming incredibly determined.

No matter who's behind it, anyone who wants to harm her child must get past her first!
...

...

The day of the grand opening banquet for the Princess's mansion arrived as scheduled.

Almost all the prominent families in Wuzhou received invitations, including the sixth-rank families of Fu, Huang, Wu, Ouyang, and Cao, as well as the seventh-rank families of Qin and Ye, who were affiliated with the Huang family, and the seventh-rank families of Chen and Zhang, who were affiliated with the Wu family.

The area in front of the mansion was bustling with activity, with magnificent flying boats and spirit beast mounts arriving one after another. The heads of each family were all dressed in their finest attire, carrying carefully prepared congratulatory gifts. Amidst the loud greetings of the visiting cultivators, they entered the magnificent and spiritually radiant gates of the Princess's mansion.

Before the banquet, Clan Chief Ouyang specially sent a message inviting Fu Changsheng to accompany him. The two met outside the mansion. Looking at the increasingly unfathomable Fu Changsheng, Clan Chief Ouyang couldn't help but lower his voice and ask:

"Clan Chief Fu, you are well-informed. Do you know why this Princess Runyu specifically chose our Wuzhou? And why she chose the old territory of the Lei family, which guards the rift in the Demon Realm? Is there some deeper meaning behind this?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng shook his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the magnificent outline of the mansion, his tone calm:
“Brother Ouyang, you overestimate me. How could we possibly fathom the Princess’s thoughts? The Emperor’s grace is boundless, and the Princess’s arrival is a blessing for Wuzhou. We should simply observe the situation and do our duty.”

Seeing that he didn't know either, Chief Ouyang stopped asking, but the doubt in his eyes remained.

Just as the two were about to enter the mansion, a voice called out from behind them. It was Chief Wu who arrived with Chief Chen and Chief Zhang.

Clan Chief Wu stepped forward with a beaming smile, bowing to Fu Changsheng first, his tone warm yet tinged with a barely perceptible sense of awe:

"Patriarch Fu, congratulations! I heard that your esteemed Fairy Tianyin and her cousin have both successfully formed their Golden Cores. The Fu family now boasts eight Golden Core cultivators, a truly joyous occasion. In Wuzhou, the Fu family should be the most respected!"

The two clan leaders behind him, Chen and Zhang, also quickly bowed to offer their congratulations, adopting a very humble posture.

Fu Changsheng smiled faintly and returned the greeting:
"Clan Chief Wu is too kind. The Fu family and you all share the same bloodline, and it is only right that we should share the prosperity of Wuzhou."

The group exchanged pleasantries and walked together into the mansion.

Upon stepping through the gates of the Princess's mansion, even the well-traveled Fu Changsheng couldn't help but show a hint of amazement in his eyes. Ouyang, Wu, and the others instinctively held their breath, stunned by the sight before them.

The mansion was not an ordinary pavilion or tower, but a space shrouded by a huge array, as if it were a world of its own.

Above them was not the sky, but a dome flowing with a dazzling galaxy, the power of the stars so dense it was almost tangible, and one could feel the spiritual energy surging with every breath. The ground was paved with warm, jade-like obsidian, imbued with spiritual energy, its luster so bright it reflected one's image. In the distance, ethereal mountains loomed, waterfalls cascaded like an inverted Milky Way, cranes soared, and exotic flowers and herbs bloomed everywhere. The dense, almost impenetrable spiritual energy formed a faint mist, swirling and flowing, its quality far surpassing any other blessed land in the outside world!
This is no ordinary mansion; it is clearly a sacred cultivation ground created by a great supernatural power! The work of the royal family is truly extraordinary.

Guided by the waiters, the group passed through numerous corridors and arrived at the main hall where the banquet was being held. The hall was extremely luxurious, with exquisite carvings and paintings, tables and chairs made of spirit wood, and fruits and wines displayed that were all precious items brimming with spiritual energy.

The seating in the hall had already been arranged.

Everyone's gaze swept over, and they all felt a chill run down their spines.

The positions of the head seats on the left and right were also marked.

On the left, seated at the head of the table, was none other than Zhou Xuanming, the Seventh Prince, who had arrived long ago and was drinking alone! When he saw Fu Changsheng and the others enter, he merely raised his eyelids, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

And the head seat on the right was actually occupied by the Fu family!

The significance of this seating arrangement is quite profound.

The Seventh Prince was a prince of the imperial clan, of noble status, and no one could object to him being placed on the left.

However, the position on the right should logically belong to the highest-ranking official in the area, either the head of the Zhenshi Division or the head of the Yushen Division, but it has now been given directly to the Fu family!

This is undoubtedly a silent recognition of the Fu family's strength and status by the Princess's Mansion, or rather, a tentative elevation.

The Huang and Wu families were ranked third and fourth, respectively. When the Huang patriarch saw this seating arrangement, his expression stiffened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. However, his eyes flickered, and he seemed lost in thought, not immediately approaching the Fu family to ingratiate himself as usual.

Fu Changsheng remained calm, seemingly unaware of the arrangement, and led the Fu family members directly to the right-hand seat, where they sat down with composure and without any sign of unease.

As soon as everyone was seated, Clan Chief Cao, who had successfully formed his core and whose aura was even more powerful than before, walked over with a wine cup in hand and a smile.

"Patriarch Fu, how have you been?" Patriarch Cao smiled broadly, but upon closer inspection, there was a hint of embarrassment and reconciliation in his eyes. "Because of some misunderstandings with Xiang'er, our two families have become somewhat estranged. I am truly ashamed. I hope Patriarch Fu will forgive us. In the future, my Cao family and the Fu family should be closer together."

His words were both an apology and an offer of an olive branch.

After all, the Cao family had lent a helping hand to the Fu family several times during times of crisis, and Fu Changsheng always remembered this kindness. Now that the Cao family patriarch had taken the initiative to lower his stance, Fu Changsheng was naturally happy to go along with it.

He raised his glass and stood up, his smile warm: "Clan Chief Cao, you flatter me. What's past is past. The Cao family has been kind to me, and I will never forget that. In the future, we should keep in touch and work together for development."

The two clinked their glasses lightly, smiled at each other, and the past grudges vanished over the wine.

At the banquet, delicacies were served in a flowing stream, accompanied by melodious music and graceful dances. The heads of each family toasted each other, seemingly in harmony, but almost everyone's gaze was intentionally or unintentionally drawn to the empty head seat and the Fu family member seated at the head of the table on the right, and then swept over the Seventh Prince drinking alone on the left, each with their own thoughts.

Time passed quietly, and several rounds of fine wine and delicacies had been served, but the protagonist of tonight's banquet—Princess Runyu—had yet to appear.

The main seat remained vacant. Only the head steward in the green robe, Zhao Cong, came out to say a few polite words, thanking everyone on behalf of the princess for their presence, before retreating.

The atmosphere gradually shifted from its initial warmth to a somewhat subtle and oppressive one. The volume of conversation unconsciously decreased, and everyone was secretly speculating:
What exactly is the Princess's intention?
...

...

In a quiet flower hall behind the main hall, isolated from all the noise, Princess Runyu was not meticulously dressing up or striking a pose as the outside world had speculated.

She was dressed in a simple yet elegant palace gown, her black hair loosely tied up with a single jade hairpin. She sat before a jade chessboard, her fingertips holding a warm, smooth black chess piece, which she did not put down for a long time.

There was no one opposite her.

On the chessboard, with its nineteen lines crisscrossing and scattered like stars, over a hundred pieces had already been placed, and the battle seemed exceptionally fierce, with two large black and white dragons entangled and locked in a fierce struggle, where a single move could affect the entire board.

However, if a master of chess were present and observed closely, they would be astonished to discover that the chessboard was not filled with the calculating aura of ordinary chess playing, but rather with an indescribable, profound Taoist charm that seemed to be deducing the secrets of heaven and destiny! Each chess piece placed seemed to correspond to the flow of fortune of a certain person or event in the outside world.

The princess's gaze was not entirely focused on the chess game. Her exquisitely beautiful but slightly pale face was turned slightly to the side, as if she were listening to something, or as if she were observing everyone at the banquet in the front hall through the layers of palaces.

After a long while, a faint, yet chillingly cold, smile appeared on her lips.

“The chess pieces…” she murmured silently, her voice as light as a feather, yet carrying an indifferent air of controlling destiny, “…are all already in the game.”

The black stone finally fell gently from her fingertips.

"Snapped."

A soft sound didn't land in the usual battleground, but rather in a seemingly insignificant, even self-destructive, remote corner.

However, the moment the piece was placed, the entire game suddenly changed!
The large black dragon, which originally seemed to be heavily surrounded and in imminent danger by white pieces, suddenly developed an inexplicable resilience due to this seemingly inexplicable "idle move." The dragon's head was slightly raised, and although it was still trapped, it showed signs of maneuvering and change. The originally stagnant game instantly came to life, with hidden killing intent and endless mysteries.

Princess Runyu looked at the completely renovated chessboard, and a faint, extremely calm light flashed in the depths of her eyes, as if all things were mere straw dogs.

She slowly rose, not glancing at the chessboard again, and walked gracefully toward the banquet in the front hall.

……

"The Princess has arrived!"

As everyone's thoughts were in turmoil, a clear and ethereal sound of jade chimes suddenly came from behind the hall. The entire hall seemed to be cleansed by an invisible force, and suddenly fell silent.

Everyone's eyes were drawn to the passageway to the side of the main seat.

What first catches the eye is not a human figure, but the hazy glow of the rising sun.

The newcomer wore a flowing, moon-colored palace dress, her face lightly covered with a thin, white veil that concealed her features from the bridge of her nose down, revealing only a pair of clear, cold eyes and a smooth forehead.

Those eyes, clear as a frozen pool in the heavens, and deep as the ancient starry sky, held a quiet, otherworldly quality, devoid of any earthly concern, only a serene indifference that seemed to look down upon everything. A single ice-blue floral ornament on her forehead added to her mystery and sanctity.

She simply stood there quietly, yet she naturally exuded an immense spiritual pressure that was terrifying!

"The False Infant Realm?!"

The expressions of everyone at the table changed drastically, and their hearts were filled with shock!
This Princess Runyu is definitely not even a hundred years old! Such a young Nascent Soul cultivator?! What an astonishing talent! The royal family's foundation is terrifyingly powerful!
On the left, the Prince of the Seventh County, Zhou Xuanming, who had been drinking alone with a playful, spectator's attitude, had already put down his wine cup and unconsciously sat up straight.

His gaze was fixed on that peerless figure, and his eyes blazed with an unprecedented light of amazement and fervor!
He had long known that his cousin possessed extraordinary talent and was deeply favored by his grandmother, but he never expected that she had quietly reached this stage! A pseudo-infant not even a hundred years old! What did this mean? It meant that she was destined to become a Nascent Soul cultivator in the future, and might even have the opportunity to glimpse the supreme Void Refinement realm!

I've also heard that she's still unmarried...

Zhou Xuanming's heart instantly burned with excitement, his blood surging. They were cousins, a perfect match in status. If they could become even closer... not only would he gain a Daoist partner with limitless potential, but it would also greatly enhance his status and power within the royal family! This was simply an unparalleled opportunity bestowed upon him by heaven!

His breathing quickened slightly, and his previous interest in watching the show had long since vanished. His mind raced with calculations, and his gaze toward Princess Runyu was filled with a possessive desire to have her at all costs.

……

"Welcome, Your Highness!"

Only now did everyone present recover from their extreme shock. Regardless of their thoughts, they all stood up in unison, composed themselves, and bowed respectfully. Their voices rose in waves, echoing in the brightly lit hall.

Princess Runyu's gaze was cool and detached, sweeping lightly over the bowing crowd below like ripples on water. She nodded slightly, her voice coming through her veil, clear and melodious like ice spring water striking jade, yet carrying a natural aloofness and authority:
"Please, everyone, take your seats."

He picked up the jade cup in front of him and nodded slightly to the crowd.

The celestial wine in the glass shimmered with iridescent light, its aroma intoxicating. She took a small sip, her posture exquisitely elegant, yet possessing an unyielding and unapproachable majesty.

Everyone quickly raised their glasses again and responded in unison, "Thank you, Princess!"

After they finished drinking and took their seats, Zhao Cong, the chief steward in a blue robe who had been standing beside the main seat with an unfathomable aura, stepped forward with a solemn expression. With a flick of his sleeve, a beam of spiritual light shot out and unfolded into a huge scroll of light in the air.

The scroll listed the names, images, and detailed characteristics of dozens of rare and precious materials. Each name was enough to make the hearts of the Golden Core cultivators present race and their eyes gleam with greed!

"Ten Thousand Year Blood Jade Coral", "Nine Heavens Breath Soil Crystal", "Karmic Fire Red Lotus Seed", "Void Star Marrow", "Nirvana Phoenix Grass"...

The items on the light screen were all legendary rare treasures, most of which were even believed to have long been extinct in the cultivation world! Each one possessed the divine power to seize the creation of heaven and earth, and was a treasure for refining high-level magic weapons, breaking through realm barriers, and even prolonging life.

A collective gasp filled the hall, everyone's eyes were fixed on the light screen, their gazes burning with fervor.

Zhao Cong's gaze swept across the entire room, taking in everyone's reactions, before he slowly spoke, his voice steady yet clear, reaching everyone's ears:

"This is the 'List of Talented Individuals' issued by Her Highness the Princess. From now on, any cultivation family within Wuzhou, regardless of rank, will be eligible to seek out any spiritual item listed on this list and present it to the Princess's residence..."

He paused slightly, then emphasized, "Based on the value of the spiritual items offered, one can exchange them for corresponding quantities of 'Golden Core Pills,' 'Purple Mansion Cloud Liquid,' 'Heavenly Heart Protecting Pulse Pills,' and other Core Formation aids, or even... more precious rewards!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured into boiling oil, causing an uproar in the entire banquet hall!

"A Core Formation Spiritual Item?! Exchange it?!"

"My God! These things can actually be used to exchange for a chance to form a Core Formation!"

The most excited were those families who had long held the seventh rank and struggled for a long time.

The Qin family patriarch, who was dependent on the Huang family, clenched his fists tightly. His body trembled slightly with excitement, and his eyes shone with an unprecedented desire.

The Ye family patriarch abruptly stood up, his face filled with unbelievable ecstasy. He reacted swiftly, bowing deeply towards the head of the household, his voice shrill with excitement:
"Your Highness's grace is boundless, extending even to Wuzhou! This is a life-saving grace! Even if our Ye family is shattered to pieces, we will find the sacred object for Your Highness, without hesitation!"

His words were sincere and heartfelt, and his flattery was perfectly timed, revealing his shrewd and calculating nature.

Although Chief Zhang, who was standing next to him, did not lose his composure like Chief Ye, his eyes flashed with extreme calculation and ruthlessness.

He stared intently at the light screen, his mind racing as he calculated the family's reserves and every possible way to acquire these spiritual items, even resorting to underhanded methods! For the sake of producing a Golden Core cultivator who could advance to the sixth rank, he was willing to pay any price! Family interests came first!
Even the heads of several sixth-rank aristocratic families couldn't sit still any longer.

Clan Chiefs Wu, Ouyang, and Cao were all breathing rapidly, their eyes gleaming with a sharp light. No family could ever have too many Core Formation level spiritual treasures! If they could acquire more, their families could produce more Core Formation level cultivators, their strength would skyrocket, and this was an excellent opportunity for their families to rise to prominence!

Chief Huang gripped the armrest of his chair even tighter:

"An opportunity! This is a golden chance for my Huang family to surpass the Fu family! Fu Changsheng's success is just a stroke of luck. If my Huang family can take this opportunity to cultivate more Golden Core cultivators, or even... if we can find the most precious items and receive even greater rewards from the princess, we might just be able to crush the Fu family under our feet!"

……

Fu Changsheng's gaze swept over the list indifferently.

The items listed were indeed rare and unheard of, many of which were not even included in his system, demonstrating their preciousness and rarity. Even for the Fu family now, having another stable channel to obtain Core Formation spiritual items was entirely beneficial.

A thought stirred within him: the scale of this Princess Runyu's actions far exceeded his expectations; the royal family's foundation was indeed unfathomable.

Just as everyone was still excited, Fu Changsheng calmly stood up. His movement instantly attracted everyone's attention, even Princess Runyu in the main seat had her cold gaze fall on him again.

Fu Changsheng faced the head of the table, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and spoke in a calm yet clear voice that resonated throughout the hall:

"Your Highness, the reward offered is indeed extraordinary, and the royal family's benevolence is truly admirable. I have a question: among the rewards Your Highness has promised, besides the spiritual items that help our human cultivators form their cores, does it also include corresponding treasures that can help spirit pets and battle beasts break through to the Golden Core level?"

Upon hearing this, the hall quieted down slightly, and many people wore thoughtful expressions. Raising spirit beasts is extremely costly, and the treasures used to aid in their breakthroughs are even rarer than those used by humans. Could it be that the Fu family possesses powerful spirit beasts urgently needing to break through their current realm?
Princess Runyu, seated upright, turned her gaze slightly to Fu Changsheng, seemingly unsurprised that he would ask such a question.

She did not answer immediately, but turned her head slightly to look at Zhao Cong beside her.

Zhao Cong immediately stepped forward half a step to respond on his behalf, his tone certain:

"Patriarch Fu asks a good question. Your Highness is fair in rewards and punishments, and the 'rewards' you speak of are naturally all-encompassing. Whether it is spiritual items that help cultivators form their core, or rare treasures such as 'Transformation Pills,' 'Demon Blood Bodhi,' and 'Spirit Awakening Holy Water' that help spirit beasts condense their demon cores (golden cores), they are all available for exchange. As long as the spiritual items offered are of sufficient value, everything is negotiable."

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, a look of satisfaction flashed across Fu Changsheng's eyes, and he cupped his hands again, saying, "Thank you for clearing up my doubts."

He sat down calmly, as if he had only asked a trivial question.

However, these words stirred up further doubts among the crowd. Not only did the Fu family produce numerous talented individuals, but they also possessed such a profound foundation and demand for spirit beasts? Just how deeply did the Fu family conceal their strength?
……

The atmosphere at the banquet eased slightly, with delicacies and fine wines being served continuously, and celestial music still playing softly. However, the people's minds were no longer on the feast, and most were still immersed in the shock and planning brought about by the bounty list.

From the moment Princess Runyu appeared, the Seventh Prince Zhou Xuanming's gaze had almost never left the main seat. Seeing that the princess only drank a cup and then sat quietly without saying a word, exuding a cold aura that kept strangers at bay, the fiery desire and scheming in his heart became increasingly difficult to suppress.

He straightened his robes, put on what he considered his most dashing, approachable yet dignified smile, picked up a full glass of amber-colored spirit wine, rose from his seat, and walked toward the head of the table.

"Cousin." Zhou Xuanming's voice was deliberately gentle, carrying a hint of familiarity between relatives, "Today I have seen your beauty, which surpasses even the rumors. I am very happy and have come to offer you a cup of wine to congratulate you on opening your own residence. May your path to immortality be smooth and may you soon become a deity."

His words seemed appropriate, but he directly addressed her as "cousin," intending to emphasize his close relationship with the princess in front of everyone and to bring them closer.

However, upon hearing this, Princess Runyu merely raised her eyes slightly. Her clear, icy gaze swept over him through the light veil, without any ripples, as if she were looking at an insignificant stranger.

She did not raise her cup, but merely shook her head very slightly. Her cold voice came through the veil, devoid of any warmth: "Your Highness is kind. I do not enjoy drinking, but I appreciate your kind intentions."

After saying that, she didn't look at Zhou Xuanming again, turning her gaze to the void, as if she were wandering in a trance, or as if nothing in front of her was worth her attention.

The rejection was swift and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation, and not even bothering with pretense.

Zhou Xuanming's hand, holding the wine glass, froze in mid-air. The smile on his face instantly vanished, and a huge wave of embarrassment and indignation surged into his heart! He, a prince, had been so ruthlessly humiliated in front of all the prominent figures of Wuzhou!
He could feel countless gazes instantly focusing on his back. Some of those gazes were surprised, some were amused, and some were even mocking! His cheeks stung as if they had been whipped by invisible fire whips.

However, Zhou Xuanming was Zhou Xuanming after all. His extreme arrogance and thirst for power forced him to suppress the angry rebuke that was about to spill from his lips. He knew his predicament: the Seventh Prince's mansion was already outwardly strong but inwardly weak; the royal family's support had long since ceased. He now only possessed the empty title of prince and a meager amount of influence in Wuzhou. He couldn't afford to offend his cousin, who was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager and whose own power was terrifying.

In a split second, the stiffness on his face melted away, and he forced a slightly awkward yet polite smile, as if he had only received a harmless rejection. He downed the wine in his glass in one gulp and said with a forced smile, "My cousin's cultivation is profound, and she does not drink worldly things. I was being presumptuous. Please, cousin, do as you please."

He maintained his smile, turned around and returned to his seat, his steps seemingly unhurried, but the slight trembling of his hands in his wide sleeves betrayed the raging anger and humiliation within him.

After taking his seat, he still wore a smile and even nodded to the Huang clan chief sitting next to him, as if nothing had happened. But only he knew that he had already deeply etched this humiliation into his heart, and his flirtatious thoughts about Princess Runyu had transformed into a more complex mix of jealousy and resentment.

Princess Runyu sat quietly in the main seat for a while longer, seemingly oblivious to the subtle atmosphere below the stage that had become tense again due to the Seventh Prince's humiliation. It seemed that she had come only to announce the bounty, and having achieved her goal, she no longer lingered.

She slowly rose, without greeting anyone. Under Zhao Cong's bowed guidance, just as she had arrived, her figure quietly faded away amidst the hazy glow and exotic fragrance, disappearing into the depths of the passage behind the hall.

He left behind a room full of guests with their own thoughts, as well as the Seventh Prince Zhou Xuanming, who was putting on a brave face but was already burning with anger inside.

The banquet eventually ended, and the guests, each with their own thoughts, departed one after another under the guidance of the waiters. The vast hall quickly became empty, leaving only the lingering aroma of the delicacies and the faint spiritual energy.

Clan Chief Huang did not leave with the others. After hesitating for a moment, seeing that the green-robed head steward Zhao Cong was about to turn and go inside, he immediately stepped forward, his face plastered with an extremely respectful, even somewhat obsequious, smile, and bowed deeply.
"Butler Zhao, please wait!"

Zhao Cong paused, turned around, his face calm and expressionless, and looked at him indifferently: "Clan Chief Huang, the banquet is over, is there anything else?"

Chief Huang took a half step closer, lowered his voice, but his tone was unusually solemn, even carrying a hint of mystery:
"Reporting to the head steward, I... have a matter of utmost importance that I must report to Her Highness the Princess in person! This matter... may concern Her Highness's extraordinary opportunity to achieve Nascent Soul! It cannot be delayed under any circumstances!"

He emphasized the phrase "the opportunity to form an infant," his eyes gleaming with excitement and certainty.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Cong's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. He was used to seeing all sorts of people trying to curry favor and usually disdained such empty talk. However, the "chance to form a Nascent Soul" was no small matter. Even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance, it was not something that a steward like him could decide to ignore on his own.

He scrutinized Chief Huang for a moment, noticing that although the other party seemed anxious, he did not appear to be making empty threats. After a brief moment of contemplation, he finally spoke, "Wait here." He then turned and entered the inner hall.

Before long, Zhao Cong returned and said to the Huang clan chief:
"The princess grants you an audience. Please come with me. Remember, be careful with your words and actions."

Overjoyed, the Huang clan leader quickly straightened his clothes and respectfully followed Zhao Cong through several corridors to a more elegant and tranquil side hall. Princess Runyu was already seated in the main seat, her veil still on, her eyes cold and clear, like ice that had never melted.

Chief Huang knelt down with a thud and performed a grand salute. He then eagerly recounted the unusual phenomena of the extinct volcano in the Burning Heaven Fire Domain of Huizhou Prefecture, as well as the Fu family's tight control over the area and various unusual signs. He exaggerated the fact that there must be a tremendous opportunity hidden within, which might be the key to the princess's breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

However, everything he said was based on speculation and inference, without any real evidence.

Zhao Cong listened intently, his expression growing increasingly calm. Once Chief Huang finished speaking, he immediately rebuked him coldly:

"Clan Chief Huang! Do you know the consequences of speaking recklessly in front of the Princess? Based on some unsubstantiated evidence, you dare to make wild predictions about opportunities and talk nonsense, hoping to make Her Highness pull chestnuts out of the fire for you? How dare you!"

Chief Huang trembled as he was reprimanded, cold sweat instantly pouring down his face. He prostrated himself on the ground, repeatedly saying he dared not.

At this moment, Princess Runyu, who had been silent all along, finally spoke. Her voice, though veiled, remained devoid of any emotion: "Huizhou Prefecture, the Burning Heaven Fire Domain... I have noted it down."

She paused slightly, then continued, "If you truly wish to serve me, then obtain conclusive evidence, or... more valuable information. Return with your report then. You may leave."

His words, though plain, carried an undeniable authority.

Chief Huang felt as if he had been granted a pardon, but also felt a little disappointed. He quickly kowtowed and said, "Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Your Highness! I will do my best to find out the truth for Your Highness!" Then he bowed and carefully withdrew.

After the Huang clan chief left, Zhao Cong frowned slightly and looked at the princess: "Your Highness, this man is clearly blinded by greed and wants to use Your Highness's influence to suppress the Fu family. His words are highly unreliable. Why..."

Princess Runyu's gaze shifted, landing on the empty space outside the hall. She said calmly, "Even small ants can erode a dike. Having one more vassal, one more pair of eyes watching Wuzhou for us, is not a bad thing. He will only work hard if he has something to ask for. If any families in the future intend to join us, we should not turn them away. We can give them a little something to make them do our bidding."

Zhao Cong immediately understood and bowed, saying, "This old servant understands."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince... just sent word that he wishes to see Your Highness. What do you think...?" After all, they were related by marriage.

Upon hearing this, Princess Runyu's eyes flashed with undisguised indifference and disdain: "Zhou Xuanming? There's no need to see him. He has the title of Prince but is rotten to the core. His background, talent, and character are all worthless. To associate with him would be a disgrace to one's status. His lineage has run out of luck, so it's better not to see him."

The evaluation was extremely harsh, completely disregarding the cousin.

Zhao Cong was not surprised at all and nodded in agreement.

Princess Runyu seemed to remember something else and casually asked, "Is the Fu family really as strange as Clan Chief Huang said? Have they made any moves lately?"

Zhao Cong respectfully replied, "No major events have occurred in the Fu family recently. With eight Golden Core cultivators, they remain firmly at the top of Wuzhou. Fu Changsheng is a reclusive man with a meticulous mind. His cultivation is progressing extremely rapidly, and there are even rumors of him reversing the Nascent Soul stage. However, today he specifically inquired about the situation of his eldest son, Fu Yongfan, in the capital, and his words showed considerable concern."

“Fu Yongfan?” Princess Runyu’s tone was completely calm. “I’ve never heard of him. As for reversing the Nascent Soul stage…” She paused slightly, as if pondering, and then said calmly, “In the capital, there are many geniuses. Although challenging those of higher levels is rare, it is not unique. Let’s just observe for now.”

Her reaction was calm and unwavering, as if she had only heard about a trivial matter, far less important than the medicinal herb on the list.

"Yes." Zhao Cong bowed and accepted the order, saying no more.

(End of this chapter)