Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 572 Three Joys in One Day: Lottery, Intelligence
Huizhou Prefecture, the master's secret room.

Layer upon layer of arrays shimmered with light, completely isolating the inside from the outside.

Fu Changsheng sat cross-legged in the center, his aura deep and concentrated. With a slight thought, his figure vanished from the spot and appeared in the simple wooden house atop the spiritual mountain within the Five Elements Space of his body.

The room was quiet and peaceful, while outside the window, the sea of ​​clouds surged, and below the mountain, the fields were crisscrossed with the fragrance of herbs.

Fu Changsheng did not linger. His mind sank into his sea of ​​consciousness, where the mysterious panel visible only to him quietly appeared—[Training Room].

"Activate," he murmured to himself.

In an instant, the surrounding scenery rippled and changed like water.

The small wooden house vanished, replaced by an endless, shimmering lotus pond, rich with innate spiritual energy. Lotus blossoms filled the pond, some budding, others in full bloom, all radiating a shimmering, precious light. He himself sat serenely in a white jade pavilion in the center of the pond, surrounded by countless lotus leaves, like a scene from a fairyland.

Time flows differently here than outside, and the spiritual energy here is a hundred times purer and more concentrated.

Fu Changsheng held his breath and focused his mind, his body embracing the essence of the universe, and the Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique began to slowly circulate within him. The pure wood-elemental magic power flowed like sweet spring water along the mysterious meridians, nourishing his internal organs, limbs, and bones, and finally merging into his dantian, merging into the slowly rotating, vibrant golden elixir.

Above the Golden Core, four lush green lotus leaves, covered with Dao patterns, have already unfurled, representing the completion of the fourth level of the Golden Core.

now.

Beside the fourth lotus leaf, a tiny protrusion was constantly absorbing magical power, nurturing the nascent form of the fifth lotus leaf.

After circulating the cultivation technique for several cycles, he adjusted his condition to its peak.

Fu Changsheng sensed the opportune moment had arrived. He suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them. He flipped his hand, and the jade bottle he had obtained from Luo Haitang appeared in his palm.

As soon as the bottle was uncorked, a cool and refreshing aroma, imbued with the essence of water, instantly filled the air, enlivening the entire pavilion in the middle of the lake.

It is indeed the Sea Heart Barrier-Breaking Elixir!

Without further hesitation, he tilted his head back and swallowed the drop of azure liquid.

The spiritual liquid entered his throat, but instead of turning into a torrent, it flowed like a warm and vast ocean essence, quickly spreading into his meridians, merging with his magical power, and finally converging towards the golden core in his dantian.

The Azure Emperor's Longevity Formula was catalyzed by this pure and similar water-based spiritual liquid, causing its circulation speed to increase dramatically!

slam-la-

It was as if one could hear the sound of magical power flowing within their body.

The Golden Core's rotation speed increased, and the protrusion next to the fourth lotus leaf on it began to grow and stretch at a visible speed under the nourishment of the Sea Heart Barrier-Breaking Elixir and the impact of powerful magic!
Time slipped away quietly in the practice room.

After an unknown amount of time, Fu Changsheng's aura suddenly surged!
A brilliant blue light shone from within his dantian!
The fifth lotus leaf finally broke free from its restraints and unfolded perfectly! The leaf was as green as jade, more solid and substantial than the previous four, and the Dao patterns on it were more complex and profound. It complemented the other four lotus leaves, forming a more harmonious and powerful whole.

The five-petaled blue lotus slowly rotated above the golden core, radiating a vast amount of magical power and life force far exceeding that of the past!

The fifth level of the Golden Elixir is achieved naturally!
Fu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, his gaze swirling with a deep blue light, like a deep pool. His aura was as profound as the sea, far stronger than before his seclusion. He carefully savored the powerful, unstoppable force surging within him, and a satisfied smile curved his lips.

"Finally... I've reached the fifth level of the Golden Core stage."

After consolidating his realm, Fu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes. The azure light flowing in his eyes gradually subsided, and the powerful aura around him became more harmonious and stable. With a slight thought, the boundless lotus pond and the pavilion in the middle of the lake around him vanished as quickly as the tide receded.

next moment.

He had returned to the simple and quiet little wooden house atop the Spirit Mountain in the Five Elements Space. Outside the window, clouds drifted by, and below, the spiritual fields and medicinal gardens were teeming with life. Compared to the extreme purity of the training room, this place had a more vibrant and lively atmosphere.

He successfully broke through to the fifth level of the Golden Core stage, but he was not in a hurry to emerge from seclusion. As steady as he was, he knew the importance of information, especially in Wuzhou where the situation was becoming increasingly turbulent.

My thoughts landed on the panel of my consciousness:
"Exchange Information"

hum!
The panel vibrated.

A large amount of yellow light surged.

Followed by.

Lines of text appeared one by one:

[1: The spiritual object that Fairy Tianyin obtained for forming a core was actually made from "Moon-Eating Grass," which was provided by Fairy Chilian of the Joyful Sect, who had planted it in the Great Zhou Dynasty.]

[2: At the bottom of the spiritual spring behind the Ye family mountain, there is a piece of ten-thousand-year-old warm jade hidden in a natural illusion array. Wearing it for a long time can slowly increase the purity of the water spirit root.]

[3: When the Azure Phoenix sheds its feathers for the third time, if it is soaked in the tears of the South China Sea mermaids, it will evolve the supernatural power of "Illusion-Breaking Golden Eyes"]

[4: Three thousand feet underground at the Demon Suppression Pass, there is a finger bone of the ancient demon general "Shaluo" sealed. Every blood moon will challenge the seal, requiring three Golden Core cultivators to reinforce it simultaneously.]

[5: The ancestral tablets in the Wu Family Ancestral Hall contain hidden mechanisms. Rotating the tablet of the third-generation patriarch can open a secret chamber containing the "Nine Palaces Heavenly Gang Formation," a fourth-order defensive formation.]

[6: In the rear hall of Shuiyun Cave, there grows a "Dragon Blood Bodhi" tree, which bears fruit once every three hundred years. The next fruiting will be in seven years. Consuming it can strengthen the body and is the supreme holy medicine for body cultivators.]

[7: Hidden beneath the cliff on the northern slope of Black Witch Village in the Northern Frontier is the cave dwelling of an ancient sword cultivator. The entrance is obscured by thunder vines and can only be opened with the power of thunder.]

[8: If Liu Meizhen's natal magic weapon "Taixu Dragon and Phoenix Cauldron" can be integrated with "Taiyi Chensha", it can be promoted to a fifth-tier magic weapon.]

[9: The secret manual that Wu Ling'er obtained in the Gu Insect Pool contains the "Ten Thousand Gu Pilgrimage" technique. When mastered, it can control a Nascent Soul stage Gu King.]

[10: The lowest level of the dungeon in the Princess's mansion is where the descendant of an immortal who has had his immortal bones extracted is imprisoned. His blood can be used to refine the "Immortal Breaking Pill" to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.]

[11: Princess Runyu's personal jade pendant is actually the "Sealing God Jade," which can seal the soul of a Golden Core cultivator, but can only be activated and used by members of the royal bloodline.]

[12: The Eastern Wilderness Ten Thousand Ghosts Gate contains the ruins of the ancient sect "Blazing Sun Divine Sect". To open it, you need to collect three Blazing Sun Keys]

[13: Fu Yongren needs the essence blood of the "Silver Wolf Demon King" to break through to the fourth level of the "Heavenly Wolf Battle Body"]

[14: The South China Sea Teleportation Array requires "Void Stones" to activate each time. The nearest mineral vein is located in Area 1, where the Vermilion Bird Tribe is located.]

[15: If "Seven-Colored Divine Rice" is planted inside the Mountain and River Town Clan Cauldron in the Five Elements Space, the spirit pet can continuously improve its bloodline after consuming it.]

[16: The core of the Tianyin Tribe's grand formation contains a "Netherworld Mirror," which can reflect all spells below the Nascent Soul stage.]

[17: The Frosty Ice Horn contains an innate divine power, which can only be awakened by consuming the Northern Jade Profound Ice]

[18: Fu Changli is trapped in the Golden Core Heart Demon Tribulation and is about to fail in his tribulation.]

【twenty four:…】

...

A total of thirty pieces of intelligence were exchanged.

When Fu Changsheng saw the eighteenth piece of intelligence, his heart skipped a beat.

"My third brother is in such a dangerous situation!"

The tribulation of inner demons is extremely dangerous, and external forces can hardly interfere with it. The slightest carelessness will lead to the destruction of one's cultivation and one's life.

His gaze shifted to the Mountain and River Clan-Suppressing Cauldron floating within his dantian, where the two remaining wisps of pale golden fortune flowed slowly. This was the accumulated family fortune of the Fu family, incomparably precious; each wisp used meant one less wisp remained.

“My third brother’s life is of utmost importance,” Fu Changsheng said resolutely. “Once the family advances to the fifth rank, a new destiny will naturally arise.”

With a thought, he activated a wisp of fortune within the clan-protecting cauldron:
"Help Fu Changli get through this ordeal!"

hum-

A wisp of pale golden energy rose from the cauldron, piercing through the void and disappearing.

...

...

In the forbidden area behind the Fu family mountain, in the secret chamber where the spiritual energy is most abundant.

Fu Changli sat cross-legged, his expression solemn, his aura reaching its peak. The liquid true essence within his Purple Mansion was compressed to its limit, and finally, with a faint hum, it condensed into a solid embryo of elemental energy the size of a pigeon egg, its radiance restrained!
However, although the embryonic form was formed, it was always just one step away from finally transforming into an immortal golden core, as if an invisible barrier was hindering the final qualitative change.

"Now is the time!" Fu Changli thought to himself, swallowing the Seven Hearts Pill he had prepared beforehand without hesitation!

The pill entered his stomach and instantly transformed into an overwhelming and pure medicinal power, like the hottest flame, which was injected into the solid embryo! At the same time, the huge spirit-gathering array carved on the floor of the secret chamber suddenly activated, frantically drawing spiritual energy from the spiritual veins of the back mountain, forming a visible vortex of spiritual energy that completely engulfed him!
boom!
Under the combined impact of the power of the Seven Hearts Pill and the vast spiritual energy, that solid barrier finally shattered!
The solid embryo suddenly emitted a dazzling light, its volume shrank dramatically, becoming a round, radiant lump. Profound and mysterious pill patterns naturally formed on its surface, and an immortal, harmonious, and powerful aura of the Golden Core suddenly spread out!

Golden Elixir, complete!

However, before Fu Changli could even savor the joy of achieving the Golden Core, his consciousness suddenly sank, as if he had been dragged into an endless vortex.

……

He found himself no longer in a dark, secret room, but in a sunny, fragrant valley.

A stream babbled through the valley, and on both sides grew countless exotic flowers and fruits that he had never seen before, yet which exuded a captivating charm. The air was filled with the intoxicating fragrance of a hundred fruits and the mellow aroma of fermenting yeast.

Before him were various crystal-clear brewing vessels, and many legendary brewing ingredients were as common as ordinary weeds.

"This...this is...a thousand-year-old Drunken Dragon Grass? A ten-thousand-year-old Vermilion Fruit Vine? And...the legendary Heavenly River Elixir?"

Fu Changli's eyes widened, and his breathing suddenly became rapid. As a winemaker who was obsessed with brewing spirit wine all his life, everything here was an irresistible temptation for him!

Countless ancient recipes for spirit wine, long lost, instantly flooded his mind, each possessing the wonders of nature.

"Haha! Heaven is on my side! With such a treasure trove, how can I not brew an unparalleled immortal wine!"

Fu Changli was utterly excited, casting aside his breakthrough, his family, and everything else. Like a child who had discovered a treasure, he plunged headlong into the ocean of spiritual wine, frantically collecting spiritual materials, experimenting with recipes, becoming engrossed in the subtle changes brought about by each fermentation, and reveling in the ultimate joy of each drop of new wine being born.

He forgot about time, forgot about himself, his eyes fixed only on the ever-growing, ever-improving quality of the spiritual wines. Jar after jar of wine, radiating an alluring glow and brimming with spiritual energy, was brewed by him and piled up around him.

He was completely absorbed in this state of mind, and the smile on his face grew increasingly satisfied, yet also increasingly unreal. His life force was quietly slipping away in this ultimate "satisfaction."

The most terrifying aspect of inner demons is that they cause people to fall silently and unnoticed in their beautiful dreams.

At this critical moment!
hum!
In the darkness, a vast, warm, and invisible force, carrying the prayers and bonds of the entire family, crossed the void and descended with a roar, injecting itself into Fu Changli's mind, which was about to fall into silence!
This force did not directly attack his inner demons, but rather cleansed his soul like a clear spring, and resonated deep within his soul like a great bell!

"My family...the Fu family...I'm undergoing tribulation...to reach the Golden Core stage!"

Fu Changli jolted awake as if from a dream! He looked around at the unreal, perfect valley and at the cup of spiritual wine in his hand, whose aroma was enough to intoxicate even the gods. He broke out in a cold sweat!
"It's a tribulation of inner demons!" he exclaimed in shock, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes, which was then replaced by unwavering determination.

"A mere inner demon cannot disturb my Dao heart! My family still needs my protection, and the Great Dao still awaits my pursuit! Break through!"

He roared and resolutely smashed the cup of the most tempting spirit wine in his hand!
Click!

With the sound of a wine cup shattering, the entire beautiful valley scene crumbled and vanished without a trace, like a mirage.

His consciousness instantly returned to his body!

Inside the secret chamber, Fu Changli suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing with a sharp light. His chest heaved violently, and he couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood. However, the immense spiritual pressure of the Golden Core stage around him completely stabilized and continued to rise, becoming extremely solid!

The tribulation of inner demons has been overcome!
He successfully stabilized at the Golden Core stage!

……

The clear sky above the forbidden area behind the Fu family suddenly changed dramatically!

Thick, dark clouds, like ink, surged in from all directions, rapidly gathering and pressing down heavily on the back mountain of the Fu family. Within the clouds, silver snakes danced wildly, and a muffled, terrifying thunder rumbled in, spreading a destructive divine might that enveloped the entire Fu family's fiefdom!
"Thunderclouds! It's a Golden Core tribulation!"

Yu Qingru, who had been keeping a close eye on the movements in the back mountain, was the first to notice the change in the heavens and earth. She instantly appeared in the courtyard, looking up at the sky, her beautiful eyes filled with tension and anticipation. Among the two people in seclusion in the back mountain attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage was her daughter, Ningning!

"Ning'er...you must succeed!"

at the same time.

Fu Changli's wife, Madam Yu, along with their son Fu Yonglin and daughter-in-law Yu Peipei, all rushed out, equally anxious as they watched the terrifying thunderclouds that were constantly gathering.

"It's Father! It must be Father who triggered the tribulation!" Fu Yonglin shouted excitedly, his eyes filled with anticipation. Madam Yu's lips trembled slightly as she silently prayed. They both hoped that Fu Changli had successfully formed his core, and were also terrified by the terrifying power of the heavens.

Finally, the thunderclouds, having gathered their strength to their utmost, unleashed the first bolt of tribulation lightning! The thick, silver lightning, like the wrath of a god, tore through the sky and slammed into a certain forbidden area in the back mountain!

Boom!

The enormous sound was deafening, and the terrifying shockwave could be clearly felt throughout Huizhou Prefecture.

However, where the lightning struck, a pre-arranged tribulation-crossing formation was instantly activated. Countless beams of runic light shot into the sky, intertwining to form a solid light screen that withstood the first wave of heavenly punishment!
Then came the second, the third… each lightning tribulation more ferocious than the last. But the tribulation-crossing formation prepared by the Fu family was no ordinary formation. It was set up by Fu Changsheng at great cost. Although the light barrier shook violently and the runes flickered, it stubbornly held on, offsetting most of the power for the tribulation-crosser.

Finally, after withstanding several lightning strikes, the great formation let out a mournful cry, and the light barrier shattered completely.

At this moment, the last, most concentrated, and most terrifying dark purple tribulation lightning, like a roaring thunder dragon, descended from the sky and struck the center of the tribulation!
At this critical moment!
A streak of light shot into the sky from the place where the tribulation was being performed! It was a gourd that was entirely green and had nine mysterious curved patterns naturally formed on its surface—it was Fu Changli's natal magic treasure, the Nine-Bend Spirit Gourd, which he cultivated with both his life and his body!

"Nine bends to the heavens, accept!"

With a loud shout from Fu Changli, the mouth of the Nine-Bend Spirit Gourd opened wide, generating a powerful suction force that actively met the dark purple tribulation lightning!
boom! ! !
The lightning struck the Nine-Bend Spirit Gourd fiercely, causing it to tremble violently. The gourd's surface shone dimly instantly, and even a tiny crack appeared. Fu Changli trembled violently, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

But in the end, the Nine-Bend Spirit Gourd stubbornly held on!

It absorbed most of the power of the final tribulation lightning and channeled it into the earth's veins. The remaining trace of tribulation lightning power fell on Fu Changli, but he withstood it by circulating his golden core magic power.

The tribulation clouds in the sky began to slowly dissipate, and a ray of pure light, a gift from heaven and earth, pierced through the clouds and shone on Fu Changli, quickly repairing his injuries and consolidating his newly formed golden core.

Fu Changli has successfully survived his tribulation!

However, almost no one noticed that on the other side of Fu Changli's tribulation site, in an area completely hidden by a special formation, another transformation was also nearing its end.

Fu Changsheng had already hidden the Chaos Beast here.

This mysterious beast was greedily absorbing the aftershocks of lightning that filled the air! The chaotic patterns on its body surface lit up, like a bottomless pit, devouring and refining all the tribulation lightning power that would be destructive to ordinary cultivators!
It had already devoured and refined some of the tribulation lightning power left over from Fu Changli's previous tribulation, and its foundation was already profound.

now.

Catalyzed by Fu Changli's complete Golden Core Tribulation, quantitative change finally led to qualitative change!
A powerful aura, far stronger than that of a peak third-tier demonic beast yet not quite reaching the fourth tier, suddenly erupted from the Chaos Beast's body! It had successfully broken through and entered the quasi-fourth tier!

This means that it is just one opportunity away from completely transforming into a powerful being comparable to a Golden Core cultivator!

The lightning tribulation dissipated, and the world returned to its clear state.

Yu Qingru looked at the spot where the gift of heaven and earth had fallen, a fleeting hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, not because her daughter had condensed her Golden Core. But then she felt genuinely happy that her family had gained another Golden Core cultivator.

Meanwhile, the Yu family, Fu Yonglin, Yu Peipei, and others were overjoyed! "It's a success! Father has succeeded!" Fu Yonglin shouted excitedly.

The entire Fu family erupted in jubilation!
The family's strength will reach a new level!

...

...

Inside the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in Fu Changsheng's mind:
"Ding"

"Fu Changli has successfully condensed his Golden Core and has been granted a special lottery draw opportunity. Would you like to redeem it?"

Fu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

My third brother finally managed to form his core safely without any major incident.

Count it up.

The Fu family already has nine Golden Core cultivators.

If Ningning successfully forms her core.

Then the Fu family would have met the requirement for the number of Golden Core cultivators needed to advance to the fifth-rank aristocratic family.

Fu Changsheng's thoughts sank into the panel of his consciousness:
"Redeem for Special Lottery"

hum!
The panel shimmered with golden light, runes intertwining to form a massive, illusory roulette wheel. The wheel gradually slowed, the pointer finally stopping on a gray square emanating an aura of chaos.

The next moment, a fist-sized, grayish-brown seed covered with natural Dao patterns fell into Fu Changsheng's palm. The seed was heavy and warm to the touch, and seemed to pulsate slightly as if it were alive, exuding an ancient aura that encompassed all things and nurtured heaven and earth.

At the same time, a piece of information flowed into my mind:
【Mother Qi Seed of All Things】

[Rank: First-Order Innate Spirit Seed (Growth Type)]

[Source: Formed from a wisp of primordial energy at the beginning of chaos, containing the origin of creation]

[Effects: It can be integrated into the body of a demon beast and gradually evolve into a wisp of "Mother Qi of All Things". This Qi can nourish all things, enlighten their spirituality, promote the evolution of living beings, and can also nourish the host, slowly improving their innate qualities.]

【characteristic:
1. Life Catalysis: Can accelerate the growth of spiritual plants.

II. Essence of Creation: After being cultivated to the fourth stage, it can produce one drop of "Mother Qi Elixir" every ten years, which contains pure vitality and has the effect of healing injuries and replenishing the source.

Third, it is compatible with most of the five elements and other attribute cultivation methods, which can assist in cultivation and reduce bottlenecks.

IV. Slow Growth: The Mother Qi Seed can absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the essence of various rare and precious materials to grow slowly, and its efficacy will increase accordingly.

[Limitation: In the initial stage of fusion, it requires 100 days of nurturing with one's own essence, blood, and soul to achieve initial stability. Growth requires a massive amount of resources.]

Fu Changsheng was shocked, and his eyes flashed with disbelief.

The "creation" and "catalytic" power contained in this item is undoubtedly a supreme treasure for a family to lay the foundation for an everlasting legacy!
"A demonic beast seed has actually appeared!"

Currently, among his spirit pets, the Flying Feather Beast and the Ice Flame father and son possess spirit plant talent. The Ice Flame has higher talent, but it has only just broken through to the second tier, while the Flying Feather Beast is already close to the fourth tier.

……

Fu Changsheng flashed and appeared beside the clan cauldron of Shanhe Town.

The Flying Feather Beast was patiently teaching Bingyan how to accelerate the growth of a first-tier spiritual plant. Bingyan tilted its head, trying as if it understood but not quite, its wings flapping clumsily, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to fluctuate slightly.

"Master!" Qiu Niang sensed Fu Changsheng's appearance and immediately appeared beside the cauldron, curiously approaching. "What are you holding in your hand? It has such a unique aura!"

Fu Changsheng opened his palm, revealing the grayish-brown Mother Qi Seed of All Things, and began to explain its origin and effects.

Qiu Niang's eyes lit up as she listened, and after carefully sensing the sensation, she said:
"Master, this item is most suitable for Bingyan! Although the Feathered Beast is loyal and reliable, its bloodline is ordinary, making it difficult for it to break through to the fourth rank. Bingyan, on the other hand, is a mutated spirit seed with extraordinary talent. If he receives the assistance of this Creation Seed, his future achievements will be limitless!"

Upon hearing this, the Feathered Beast nodded in agreement with a simple and honest expression, and gently nudged the still somewhat bewildered Ice Flame with its wing.

Fu Changsheng hesitated for a moment, then looked at Bingyan, who was tilting his head to examine the seed. The little guy's eyes were full of curiosity, seemingly instinctively drawn to the seed.

“Alright, let’s do as Qiu Niang says.” Fu Changsheng was quite decisive. Since Bing Yan had greater potential, he should naturally focus on cultivating her.

He beckoned Bingyan to fly closer and said gently, "Little fellow, this will greatly benefit you, so don't be afraid."

Having said that, Fu Changsheng forced out a drop of his essence blood and merged it into the seed, then enveloped it with his divine soul power, carefully guiding the seed into Bingyan's body. Bingyan was initially a little nervous, but quickly relaxed under Fu Changsheng's gentle spiritual power, allowing the strange seed to enter his heart.

The moment the seed entered his body, Bingyan suddenly radiated a seven-colored light, his body visibly grew larger, his feathers became more translucent, and the light in his eyes became even brighter.

"Success!" Qiu Niang clapped her hands joyfully. "It seems that Bing Yan is perfectly suited to this!"

The Feathered Beast let out a relieved groan and affectionately nuzzled the transformed Ice Flame with its head.

Fu Changsheng watched this scene with satisfaction, then gently patted Bingyan's head: "Take good care of him, and don't waste this opportunity."

A thought.

They exited the Five Elements Space directly.

According to intelligence reports.

He also needs to hurry to Huixi County.

...

...

After returning from the Princess's mansion, Chief Huang felt as if a hundred claws were tearing at his heart.

Princess Runyu's seemingly calm yet subtly witty words were both a warning to him and, perhaps, a glimmer of hope. "Conclusive evidence," "more valuable information"—these words echoed repeatedly in his mind.

He intended to consult with Huang Yuehua, another Golden Core elder in the family, but he turned back as soon as he took a step.

Huang Yuehua is cautious, even timid, and has always advocated a steady and pragmatic approach, maintaining a superficial harmony with the Fu family. If this matter were told to him, not only would he not receive support, but he would likely obstruct him and ruin his plans.

"Hmph, womanly compassion leads to nothing!" Clan Chief Huang sneered, a resolute glint in his eyes. "This is a golden opportunity for our Huang family to climb the social ladder and marry into the princess's family; how can we let it slip away because of him!"

He doesn't need to seize the dormant volcano; he only needs to uncover its secrets and obtain solid intelligence, and that will be a great achievement!
After much deliberation, he set his sights on Zhou Xuanming, the Seventh Prince.

The prince was humiliated at the banquet today and must harbor resentment towards the Fu family. Moreover, he still has some power under his command, making him the most suitable target for exploitation.

Several days later, Chief Huang quietly arrived at the Seventh Prince's Mansion.

In the study, the candlelight flickered.

Chief Huang, with a mysterious and indignant expression, added fuel to the fire for Zhou Xuanming, whose face was gloomy:
"Your Highness, you are wise! The extinct volcano in Huixi County, where the Fu family's fiefdom is located, is no ordinary place! According to my extensive investigations, the mountain harbors an astonishing spiritual light, and the earth's veins are frequently pulsating, likely concealing a great opportunity that could allow one to directly glimpse the path to the Nascent Soul stage! That scoundrel Fu Changsheng has already secretly announced his seclusion, undoubtedly plotting to seize this treasure! Although the Fu family has many Golden Core cultivators, they are all newly advanced, their foundations not yet stable... Such an opportunity should rightfully belong to a true dragon among nobles like Your Highness, how can it be allowed to be monopolized by that country bumpkin?"

Zhou Xuanming was already extremely dissatisfied with the Fu family. Now, upon hearing the words "earth-shattering opportunity" and "directly seeing the Nascent Soul stage," and having suffered a setback at the Princess's mansion, he was looking for someone to vent his anger!
He slammed his hand on the table: "That Fu Changsheng! How dare he hoard such an opportunity!"

He immediately summoned his trusted confidants—two elders at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. They were a Daoist couple. The male cultivator was named Shi Jian, with a cold and hard face and sharp eyes like an eagle. He had an almost blindly loyal worship of Zhou Xuanming. His Daoist partner, Liu Yun, appeared gentle, but there was a hint of shrewdness and calculation in her brows.

"Shi Jian, Liu Yun," Zhou Xuanming instructed, "you two will accompany Clan Chief Huang on this trip and make sure you ascertain the true nature of that dormant volcano! If you encounter any obstacles... humph, show no mercy!"

"Your Highness, rest assured! Shi Jian will not fail in his mission!" Shi Jian clasped his hands in acceptance, his voice firm and resolute, without any hesitation.

Liu Yun bowed slightly, her eyes already showing a plan: "This concubine obeys your command and will act carefully to find out the truth for Your Highness." Although she accepted the order, she secretly pondered that she needed to act according to circumstances and not be completely reckless.

The Huang clan leader was overjoyed and quickly said, "With two elders involved, this matter is sure to succeed! Let's not delay any longer, shall we set off immediately?"

Shi Jian nodded: "Okay."

Liu Yun smiled and said, "Clan Chief Huang, please don't be in a hurry. Since this is a secret investigation, we need to make some preparations to avoid attracting attention."

A moment later, three beams of light, having concealed their auras, quietly left the Prince's Mansion and set off overnight, heading straight for the extinct volcano in Huixi County.

Clan Chief Huang glanced at the two Golden Core cultivators beside him, a smug sneer spreading across his face: "Fu Changsheng, Fu Changsheng, let's see how you handle this! This pledge of allegiance is mine, the Huang family is determined to accept!"

After arriving in Wuzhou.

The flight covered no more than a thousand miles.

Suddenly, a communication jade talisman on Chief Huang's waist began to flash rapidly.

He scanned the area with his divine sense, his expression changed slightly, he stopped his escape, cupped his hands to Shi Jian and Liu Yun, and said with a troubled look:
"Elders, I am truly sorry, but an urgent matter has arisen in the clan that requires my immediate return. I will leave the investigation to you two. Just proceed according to plan."

Having said that, without waiting for the two to respond, Chief Huang hurriedly turned around, transformed into a streak of light, and fled towards the Huang family's territory at a speed more than twice as fast as when he came.

As Liu Yun watched the Huang clan chief's retreating figure, which could almost be described as a hasty escape, a hint of mockery and understanding flashed in her beautiful eyes.

She had long heard of the Fu family's power and influence, and that Fu Changsheng even had the terrifying feat of slaying a fake infant. Although Fu Changsheng claimed to be in seclusion, everyone knew that such a person could emerge at any time. Once it was discovered that they had touched the Fu family's private property, given Fu Changsheng's rumored protective and decisive nature, how could he let it go so easily? At that point, let alone the Huang family, even the Prince might not be able to protect these two guest elders.

She turned to her Daoist companion beside her and said in a solemn tone:
“My lord, this weasel is clearly using us as pawns while making his own escape. If the Fu family’s dormant volcano truly holds a great opportunity, how could it be left unguarded? Even if the defenses are weak, our investigation today will surely leave traces. Fu Changsheng is incredibly powerful; if he investigates, we may face dire consequences!”

Shi Jian's face was as cold and hard as iron. He didn't even frown when he heard this, and said in a deep voice:
“Yunmei, be careful what you say! We owe our Golden Core cultivation to the great kindness of the Prince’s Mansion. Since His Highness has given us this order, we should do our utmost to complete it. How can we outwardly comply but inwardly defy it because of fear of difficulties? This is not the behavior of a gentleman, and it would also betray His Highness’s trust!”

He paused, his tone softening slightly, but still firm:
"Moreover, we are both at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. If we join forces, we can fight even a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. We should be able to escape without any problems. As long as we carefully investigate and avoid conflict with the Fu family, we can leave immediately once we have the information. There should be no major issues."

Seeing her husband's stubbornness, Liu Yun was both angry and anxious, knowing that further persuasion would be useless. She and Shi Jian shared both glory and ruin, and she could never let him take the risk alone.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her unease, and said helplessly:
"Very well, I will go with you. But my husband must promise me that this trip is only for reconnaissance, and you must not cause any trouble! If you find any signs that you cannot defeat, or if things are not going well, you must immediately withdraw and retreat. Do not linger in battle! Otherwise, I would rather return with you right now and apologize to His Highness!"

Her tone was more serious than ever before, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

Seeing the worry and determination in his partner's eyes, Shi Jian's cold expression softened slightly, and he finally nodded.
"Alright, as you say. Focus on reconnaissance; if we encounter a strong enemy, retreat immediately."

Liu Yun felt slightly relieved, but her vigilance was already at its highest. The two said no more, once again concealing their auras, and like two shadowy figures blending into the night, they cautiously made their way towards the extinct volcanic area that the Fu family had designated as a forbidden zone.

The closer she got, the stronger Liu Yun's unease became.

That desolate mountain region, in her perception, was like a sleeping behemoth, its tranquility concealing a chilling danger.

The extinct volcano was silent under the cover of night, with only the howling of the wind.

Shi Jian and Liu Yun stealthily made their way to the foot of the mountain like ghosts. An invisible array of light blocked their path. Behind the light, a huge, two-headed, emerald-eyed python could be vaguely seen coiled up, exuding the ferocious aura of a near-fourth-tier demon beast.

"As expected, they were prepared." Liu Yun murmured, a hint of seriousness flashing in her eyes, but her hands moved quickly.

Her fingers flew across the screen, each incantation like a leaping sprite, precisely striking the nodes of the array. She was a master of array formations; though this protective array was formidable, she had still managed to find a flaw.

A moment later, the light screen rippled like water, and quietly cracked open a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through.

The two figures flashed, attempting to sneak in.

However, at the very moment the formation was broken—

Deep within the Water Cloud Cave, at the heart of a dormant volcano, Yao Yao suddenly opened her eyes, a fleeting silver array pattern appearing in them:
"Mother, someone has broken through the formation!"

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Han Xiao, who was guarding the entrance to the cave, let out a long howl, and his body shone with a bright icy blue light! A terrifying chill instantly erupted, and from his center, the earth froze, the air condensed, and countless icicles were created out of thin air, like a barrage of arrows, sweeping towards the two who had entered! It was his bloodline spiritual technique—Frozen Ten Thousand Miles!
"Oh no!" Liu Yun's expression changed.

Shi Jian scoffed, "A mere trick! Madam, launch a combined attack!"

The two were perfectly in sync, knowing they couldn't linger here and needed to finish the fight quickly. Without hesitation, they simultaneously activated their hand seals, their spiritual energy surging wildly and instantly merging together! A powerful aura far surpassing that of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator erupted, and an incomparably blazing pillar of light condensed before them, crashing fiercely into the sky full of ice shards!
Boom!

The loud noise shook the valley!

The frozen expanse of Hanxiao was torn apart and evaporated by the combined beam of light!
The beam of light, still powerful, slammed heavily into Han Xiao, who was unable to dodge in time!

"Awooo!" Hanxiao let out a painful wail as his massive body was violently slammed into the ground, crashing into half of the mountain wall. His icy blue scales shattered, and his aura instantly weakened, clearly indicating that he had suffered a severe injury.

"Hanxiao!" Yaoyao exclaimed, her beautiful eyes instantly igniting with anger.

At this moment, Liu Meizhen and Yaoyao had already flown out from the entrance of the cave. Liu Meizhen immediately saw that her beloved pet was seriously injured, and felt the combined power of the other party's attack, which was comparable to that of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. Her phoenix eyes flashed with a cold light.

"Yaoyao, illusion array!" Liu Meizhen spoke quickly and made a decisive decision.

Yao Yao immediately understood, suppressing her anger, she formed a hand seal, and her eyes shone with a brilliant silver light. In an instant, the surrounding scenery distorted and changed, and countless illusions arose, dragging Shi Jian and Liu Yun into them, attempting to disturb their minds and disrupt their combined attack.

at the same time.

Without hesitation, Liu Meizhen summoned the Taiyi Dragon and Phoenix Divine Cauldron!

The cauldron lid opened, and a wisp of condensed crimson lotus fire, exuding terrifying heat and an aura of destruction, shot out like a venomous snake, aiming with unparalleled precision at Shi Jian, the weaker of the two! To capture the enemy, first capture their leader; to break their combined attack, first cut off one of their wings!
Although Shi Jian was deceived by the illusion array, his instincts from years of combat made him feel a deadly threat! A jade pendant at his waist instantly emitted an earth-yellow light shield!
boom!
The crimson lotus fire slammed into the light barrier, causing it to tremble violently and groan under the strain. Though it barely withstood the attack, it was riddled with cracks. Shi Jian was shaken, his blood surging, and he retreated in shock, thinking how close he had come to disaster!
"break!"

On the other side, although Liu Yun was also affected by the illusion array, she was quick-witted and prepared. With a delicate shout, a pearl the size of a longan flew out from between her eyebrows, emitting a hazy light. Wherever it passed, the illusions vanished as quickly as melting snow! It was the extraordinary treasure specifically designed to break illusions—the Illusion-Breaking Pearl!

The illusion was broken, and the two instantly regained their senses.

Seeing that the other party was only two female cultivators at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, yet they were made to look so disheveled, Shi Jian felt he had lost face and his killing intent suddenly arose.

"Madam, launch another combined attack! Annihilate them!" Shi Jian roared, unleashing his spiritual power without reservation.

Although Liu Yun sensed something was amiss, seeing her Daoist partner had already gone all out, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and cooperate. An even more terrifying pillar of light condensed once more, carrying an aura of annihilation, and ruthlessly slammed towards Liu Meizhen and Yaoyao! This attack was even more powerful than before!

Liu Meizhen's expression was solemn as she prepared to unleash the full power of the divine cauldron to withstand the attack.

At this critical moment!
A thunderclap, tearing through the sky, suddenly resounded from the heavens!

A spear crackling with purple lightning, radiating divine might and the wrath of a true dragon, pierced through the clouds like a spear of judgment, falling with lightning speed! Dragon shadows coiled around the spear, and a soul-shaking dragon roar resounded afterward!

Shi Jian and Liu Yun were stunned by the sudden dragon's might and the aura of heavenly punishment. Their minds were shaken and their movements slowed down by half a beat!

boom--! ! !
The Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear struck the combined beam of light with unparalleled precision!
A deafening explosion rang out, and a violent energy shockwave spread outwards. The combined beam of light, whose power was comparable to that of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, was torn apart and annihilated instantly like paper under this overwhelming divine might!
The lightning dissipated, and the arena fell into a deathly silence.

Shi Jian and Liu Yun stared dumbfounded at the huge, charred crater in the ground in front of them, then looked in horror toward the direction where the lightning had struck, their faces filled with disbelief and fear.

who is it? !
How could it unleash such a terrifying attack?!

(End of this chapter)