Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 606 Nascent Soul Secret Technique, Breakthrough, Gains, Yin-Yang Path
Joyful Sect, Soul Palace.

Inside the deep, dark hall, thousands upon thousands of life-soul lamps floated like stars, their flames flickering and representing the life-or-death status of the sect's disciples. Although guards were on duty at times, the place was generally quiet.

However, today, Elder Chang, the Golden Core Elder on duty, was like an ant on a hot pan, his face pale and his back soaked with cold sweat.

His gaze was fixed on the row of life-soul lamps at the highest point of the main hall, where the life-soul flames of the sect's Golden Core cultivators were enshrined.

Just now, in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, nearly a hundred Golden Core Life Soul Lamps, representing the backbone of the sect and symbolizing the peak strength of the Joyful Sect, were like candle flames swept away by a gale. One by one, without warning, they flickered violently and went out with a series of "poof", "poof", "poof" sounds!
The sound of the bell being extinguished was not loud, but it struck Elder Chang's heart like a death knell, making him tremble with fear!
"Elder Ma... Elder Sun... Fairy Yun... Junior Sister Jingxin... No!!"

He watched helplessly as the lights beneath those familiar names faded into silence, his entire being feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his hands and feet turning icy cold. These were the core forces of the sect, the pillars of the Conquest Hall, the Intelligence Hall, and the Internal Affairs Hall!

The final, fatal blow came from the brightest glass lamp at the highest point, engraved with the pattern of the cycle of joy and reincarnation—the life-soul lamp of the sect leader, Master Huanxi!
Under Elder Chang's despairing gaze, the soul lamp, representing the sect's highest authority and the cultivation level of a pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, suddenly burst forth with its last dazzling pinkish-black light. Then, like a burnt-out piece of dry wood, it quickly dimmed and shrank, finally extinguishing completely with a soft "pop," turning into a wisp of green smoke and dissipating.

At the highest point of the Soul Palace, one seat remained empty.

Elder Chang's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground. He leaned against the cold hall pillar, panting heavily, his eyes filled with endless fear and confusion.

Nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators... along with the sect leader in the Pseudo-Infant Realm... wiped out?!

How could this be?! What on earth happened in the Yunlang Mountains?! The Fu family... could Fu Changsheng be a demon god reincarnated?!
An unprecedented chill shot from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Elder Chang knew perfectly well what this meant—the Joyful Sect's top combat force had been almost entirely wiped out! Now, the sect was left with only a handful of Golden Core cultivators—less than ten in total—along with a few Purple Mansion and Foundation Establishment disciples…

The sect's foundation has been severed, and it has reached a critical juncture of life and death!
"It's over...it's all over..." he muttered to himself, his voice trembling. But the instinct for survival and a sense of responsibility to the sect forced him to suppress his despair.

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the forbidden area behind the mountain, a flicker of struggle and determination in his eyes.

The forbidden area in the back mountain is where the Supreme Elder, True Monarch Huanxi, is in seclusion. True Monarch is a powerful figure at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, and has been in seclusion for sixty years, attempting to break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage. There are strict orders that he must not be disturbed unless the sect is in danger of destruction.

Now... wouldn't this be considered a threat of annihilation?

Elder Chang's facial muscles twitched. He knew that disturbing the Supreme Elder's seclusion without authorization would have unimaginable consequences; in the True Lord's wrath, he could very well be annihilated, body and soul. But if he didn't report it and allowed the sect to decline or even be destroyed by their enemies, he would also be a sinner against the sect for all eternity!

Gritting his teeth, Elder Chang revealed a bitter smile and a desperate madness on his face. He straightened his disheveled Daoist robe, took a deep breath, staggered out of the Soul Palace, transformed into a streak of light, and sped towards the forbidden area in the back mountain at the fastest speed he had ever seen.

"Supreme Elder! Your disciple Chang Wei has an urgent matter to report concerning the very survival of our sect! I humbly request that the True Lord break through his seclusion!!"

...

...

The forbidden area behind the mountain, deep within a cave dwelling where the spiritual energy is so dense it seems to permeate the entire space.

Joyful True Monarch slowly opened his eyes, his gaze not gleaming with brilliance, but rather carrying a hint of melancholy and weariness, a consequence of his long period of seclusion without achieving a breakthrough. A faint aura of Nascent Soul power swirled around him, like a dormant volcano, but his aura remained at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, clearly indicating that the barrier to the middle stage was still unbreakable.

Elder Chang prostrated himself on the ground, trembling all over, and incoherently reported the tragic changes in the Yunlang Mountains—the news that the sect leader and nearly a hundred Golden Core elders had apparently all perished at the hands of Fu Changsheng.

A brief silence fell over the cave.

Elder Chang could feel the gaze from above falling on him, cold and indifferent, as if he were not listening to a matter of life and death concerning the sect, but to a trivial matter. His heart pounded wildly, and he felt as if he were suffocating.

After a long while, the voice of the Joyful True Lord, seemingly imbued with the dust of time, slowly rang out, calm and undisturbed:
"Nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators... even Master Huanxi has perished... that's rather unexpected."

His tone revealed no trace of grief or anger, only a faint hint of surprise, as if the one who died was not a pillar of the sect that had been nurtured with countless resources, but an insignificant ant.

"True Lord! That Fu Changsheng's methods are bizarre; he can suppress cultivation instantly. The sect leader and the others died without knowing why! If we don't avenge this, how can the Joyful Sect maintain its reputation? We beg the True Lord to come out of seclusion, take charge of the overall situation, and kill this fiend!" Elder Chang mustered his courage, kowtowing and pleading with tears streaming down his face.

"Face?" Huanxi Zhenjun chuckled, with the indifference unique to Nascent Soul cultivators who looked down upon all living beings. "As long as I live, Huanxi Sect will exist. What does it matter if some Golden Core disciples die or face is damaged? It's nothing more than a minor ailment."

In his long life and from the perspective of a Nascent Soul cultivator, Golden Core cultivators were certainly important, but they were merely tools for maintaining sect rule and gathering resources. It was regrettable if the tools were destroyed, but as long as he, the master who forged them, remained, the sect's foundation would not waver. The gap between Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators was insurmountable by numbers. As long as True Monarch Huanxi lived, the Huanxi Sect would remain one of the overlords of the far west, and no one would dare to easily destroy it.

As for revenge? For a dead fake infant and a group of Golden Core cultivators, would a Nascent Soul True Monarch personally hunt down a mere Golden Core junior? That would be truly beneath his dignity if word got out. Moreover, he was at a crucial stage in his breakthrough to the mid-Nascent Soul realm; any external affairs could disrupt his state of mind and cultivation.

"Issue my decree." Huanxi Zhenjun ignored the trembling Elder Chang below, his voice carrying an unquestionable majesty that resounded throughout the entire Huanxi Sect. "From this day forward, the sect will be closed for a hundred years. All disciples are forbidden from leaving the sect and must devote themselves to recuperation. Elder 'Huanyan,' a Golden Core cultivator, is of a calm and composed nature and is qualified to succeed as sect leader and handle all sect affairs."

He directly appointed a late-stage Golden Core elder who was usually unassuming but skilled in management and maintaining the status quo as the new sect leader.

"Without my decree, no one may disturb me again."

As soon as he finished speaking, a gentle yet irresistible force pushed Elder Chang out of the cave's area. The array at the cave entrance lit up again, even thicker and more solid than before, completely isolating the inside from the outside.

Elder Chang stood outside the forbidden area, looking dazed. He hadn't expected that after such a drastic change in the sect, the Supreme Elder's reaction would be so nonchalant, without even a hint of leaving seclusion.

But upon further reflection, while the True Lord's words were cold, they were also true. As long as the True Lord was still alive, no one would dare to easily breach the Joyful Sect's mountain gates. Closing the mountain for rest and recuperation was perhaps the best way to preserve their strength at present. But... what about Fu Changsheng? Should they just let it go like this?
He dared not think any further and quickly bowed to accept the order: "I will obey the True Lord's decree!"

As the decree was issued, the Joyful Sect was in an uproar, but more than anything, there was a sense of relief at surviving a calamity and uncertainty about the unknown future. The sect's protective formation was fully activated, the mountain gates were sealed, and the new sect leader, True Person Huanyan, began to take over this severely weakened mess.

Deep within the cave, True Monarch Huanxi closed his eyes once more, completely casting aside the sect's turmoil, his mind sinking into the profound and mysterious path of the Nascent Soul. The rise and fall of the sect, the life and death of disciples—to him, these were merely specks of dust on the long road of cultivation. Only breaking through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, or even higher, was his sole pursuit.

...

...

Mount Ten Thousand Beasts, the Great Hall of Divine Beasts.

"Roar—! Fu Changsheng! I swear I'll never forgive you!!"

A furious roar, accompanied by terrifying beastly might, nearly blew the dome of the main hall off. Xiong Ba (Xiong Gang's elder brother), the leader of Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, a pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivator whose physique was even more robust and powerful than Xiong Gang's, and whose body was shrouded in solid, malevolent energy, now had bloodshot eyes, like a maddened beast.

Before him, the life-soul stones representing Xiong Gang and dozens of elite Golden Core elders were shattered into pieces.

"Elder...and my dozens of children from Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain...just like that, gone?!" Xiong Ba slammed his fist on the armrest of the chair made of thousand-year-old ironwood, instantly turning it into dust. His chest heaved violently, and his powerful blood energy overflowed uncontrollably, causing the entire hall to vibrate.

The cultivators of Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain are mostly fierce-willed, vengeful, and believe in blood for blood. Such a heavy loss, especially the fall of the Grand Elder Xiong Gang, is not only a depletion of strength for Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, but also a humiliation that has been trampled underfoot!

"Sect Leader, please calm down!" An older Golden Core elder, barely suppressing his fear, advised, "That Fu Changsheng was able to kill nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators in an instant; his strength is unpredictable and bizarre. Even Huanxi Shangren of the Huanxi Sect was not spared. This matter needs careful consideration!"

"What a load of rubbish about long-term planning!" Xiong Ba roared. "Does this mean the blood of Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain was shed in vain? If we swallow this insult, who in the far west will respect Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain? Won't any Tom, Dick, or Harry dare to bite us?"

He stood up abruptly, his voice booming like thunder, and issued the order:

"Order! From this moment forward, Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain is to enter a state of 'combat readiness'! All disciples currently outside the area are to be recalled, and Beast Taming Valley is to focus all its efforts on cultivating combat spirit beasts!"

"I hereby offer a bounty! Three medium-sized spirit stone mines, ten cubs with the potential of fourth-tier beasts, and the position of guest elder of the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, all for the head of Fu Changsheng! Whoever brings me Fu Changsheng's head will receive the bounty immediately!"

"At the same time, keep a close watch on all the movements of the Fu family and Fu Changsheng! Once the opportunity arises, I will personally twist off his head to appease the spirits of my brother and all the elders in heaven!"

...

...

Xuanming Sect, Nine Nether Palace.

Unlike the deafening roars of the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, the headquarters of the Xuanming Sect was shrouded in a deathly silence and chill.

Inside the main hall, the lights were dim. The leader of the Xuanming Sect, a Nascent Soul cultivator whose face was hidden in the shadow of his hood and whose aura was like that of ancient ice, listened quietly to his subordinates' reports. When he heard that the souls of Elder Youquan and dozens of Golden Core elders had dissipated, the chilling death aura surrounding him only rippled slightly, like a small pebble thrown into an ancient well, before returning to calm.

"Understood." Minggu's voice was dry and cold, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

The Golden Core elder reporting below felt a chill run down his spine and cautiously asked, "Sect Leader, the deaths of Elder Youquan and our fellow disciples were suspicious. As for Fu Changsheng... should we...?"

"Revenge?" Minggu interrupted him, a barely audible snort seeming to come from under his hood. "What revenge can we take? Master Huanxi, Xiong Gang, and Youquan are all dead. Do you think my Xuanming Sect can guarantee a victory by going all out?"

The elder was speechless.

“Fu Changsheng is a man with a great secret and unpredictable methods. It would be unwise for a man to confront him head-on at this time,” Minggu said slowly. “Youquan and the others were misled by greed, and their deaths… were not unjust.”

His words were cold and realistic, casually attributing the fall of the sect elders to "greed" and "miscalculation".

"Issue the order," Minggu issued a completely different command from that of the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, "From this day forward, the Xuanming Sect will enter a state of 'hibernation.' Recall all important disciples, close most external communication channels, and suspend all external affairs."

"Rescind all overt investigations and hostile actions against the Fu family."

...

...

Just moments before Fu Changsheng activated the [Drawing a Circle as a Prison] forbidden talisman, and a dark golden halo enveloped an area of ​​a hundred miles in radius, in a secluded mountain valley a hundred miles away from the edge of the Yunlang Mountains.

"Now, let's go!"

Fu Molan's cold voice rang out without the slightest hesitation. Carrying Ouyang Fei, who was still unconscious but whose breathing had stabilized slightly under the influence of the pill, she, along with Fu Yongning and Fu Changli, transformed into three streaks of light and fled rapidly in the opposite direction from the area that was about to become a battlefield, following the route planned by Fu Changsheng.

They had barely left for ten breaths when the terrifying fluctuations originating from the level of laws faintly emanated from them. Even though they were hundreds of miles apart, it still made them shudder and they couldn't help but increase their speed by three points.

They traveled in silence, pushing their speed to the limit to avoid any potential spies and speeding towards the border of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Several days later, the majestic outline of Zhenyuan Pass could be seen in the distance.

Fu Yongning couldn't help but turn back to look in the direction of the Yunlang Mountains, his eyes filled with worry: "Are we just leaving like this? Father..."

“Trust the patriarch.” Fu Changli interrupted her, her face also somewhat pale, but her eyes were unusually bright, even carrying an indescribable shock and excitement. Through communication with some small birds and underground insects along the way, she had "seen" everything happening within the restriction from afar—the dark gold domain that resembled divine punishment descending upon the world, and the patriarch's invincible demeanor within it, like a god of death descending, reaping the lives of cultivators from the three major sects with ease!
Although the distance and restrictions prevented her from seeing clearly, the overwhelming sense of power and the bloody ending were enough to shake her to her core.

“The patriarch’s strength far exceeds our imagination. Since he told us to leave first, he must have a foolproof plan to escape. If we stay, we will not only be of no help, but we may even become a burden.”

Fu Molan nodded slightly. Although she hadn't witnessed it firsthand, she could imagine how terrifying the scene must have been. She calmly analyzed, "Since the patriarch was able to produce such a heaven-defying forbidden talisman, he must have a backup plan. The most urgent task is to ensure that Uncle Fei is safely brought back to the family. Uncle Fei's injuries cannot be delayed any longer."

Just then, a message talisman flew through the air and landed in Fu Molan's hand. It was a message from Yue Zhenshan, the garrison commander of Zhenyuan Pass.

At this point, the three women abandoned their last shred of hesitation. They didn't look back and headed straight for Zhenyuan Pass.

However, in a dense forest just before reaching the border, Fu Changli slowed down.

She gently patted the shrunken azure dragon scales wrapped around her wrist, and then touched the skeleton demon vines that peeked out from the shadows.

"Azure Scales, Demon Vine," she whispered, her eyes filled with entrustment, "go find your master, assist him, and protect him. We will be waiting for your return at home."

The azure dragon raised its head, a glint of intelligence and fighting spirit flashing in its golden vertical pupils. It nuzzled Fu Changli's palm and let out a low dragon roar. The vines of the skeleton demon vine also swayed gently, indicating that it understood.

The next moment, a flash of green light and dark green shadow appeared, and the two spirit beasts silently merged into the forest, rushing away like two ghostly shadows towards the Yunlang Mountain Range.

...

...

The twenty-four-hour time limit of the "drawing a circle on the ground as a prison" was approaching, and the dark golden light barrier had begun to fluctuate slightly, becoming thinner. Fu Changsheng hovered above the mountain of corpses and sea of ​​blood, his murderous aura still lingering, but his eyes had returned to their usual calm and serene state.

With a flick of his sleeve.

He took nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivator corpses from his storage bag and piled them haphazardly in the air in front of him. The moment these corpses were exposed to the outside world, a strange change occurred!

Then, streaks of light and shadow, each a different color, solid or illusory, carrying intense resentment, hatred, and fear, suddenly struggled out from the skulls of the corpses! These were the lingering souls of these Golden Core cultivators after their fall!
"Fu Changsheng! You will die a horrible death!"

"Spare me! I will serve you as my master!"

"Our sect's Supreme Elder will surely avenge us! Your Fu family will be wiped out!"

These spirits let out shrill screams, desperate pleas for mercy, and vicious curses. They instinctively wanted to escape this place, find a new abode to seize and be reborn, and continue their path!
However, Fu Changsheng merely stared at them coldly, his eyes devoid of any emotion. He focused his mind on his body, communicating with the Netherworld, a place that coexisted with the Five Elements Space but was even more profound and mysterious.

hum!
An indescribable divine light, seemingly originating from the deepest recesses of the netherworld, carrying supreme majesty and purifying power, faintly emanated from his body. This light was not scorching, but rather possessed a chilling, righteous aura that judged life and death and suppressed all evil spirits!

It is the power from the core of the Underworld, from that ancient Heavenly Dragon Temple!

"Ah—! What is this?!"

"No! My soul is dissolving!"

"Spare us! True Lord, spare us! We are willing to enter the cycle of reincarnation and never dare to be enemies with the Fu family again!"

When this divine light of the underworld shone upon the fleeing souls, it was like snow under the scorching sun; all the souls let out far more miserable and terrified howls than before! They felt a restraint and suppression originating from their life instincts, as if they had encountered their natural nemesis! The thought of possessing another body was instantly overwhelmed by boundless fear. At this moment, they only wished to enter the cycle of reincarnation, even if they were to be pigs or dogs in their next life, they did not want to be completely annihilated under this divine light!

The souls of Huanxi Shangren, Xiong Gang, and Youquan Laoren, in particular, were the most solid, yet they were also the most terrified at this moment. They could clearly feel that the divine light possessed the terrifying power to completely obliterate any trace of their existence!
But would Fu Changsheng give them a chance to reincarnate?

To be merciful to the enemy is to be cruel to oneself and one's family.

With a thought, the divine light of the underworld acted like invisible shackles, gathering and imprisoning all the struggling, wailing, and begging souls. No matter how they struggled, they could not break free from the constraints imposed by laws originating from a higher level.

"Enter my underworld and be placed in the temple." Fu Changsheng's indifferent voice was like a final judgment.

The next moment, the divine light, carrying nearly a hundred powerful and resentful divine souls, suddenly pulled them back into his body and directly struck them into the stone walls on both sides of the majestic and ancient Heavenly Dragon Temple deep in the Netherworld.

……

The newly imprinted phantom images of divine souls on the wall—the twisted and painful faces of Venerable Huanxi, Xiong Gang, Elder Youquan, and nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators—are like living reliefs, appearing and disappearing amidst the flowing divine light, silently roaring and struggling, yet firmly imprisoned by invisible laws.

The temple, which was originally somewhat empty and desolate, suddenly gained a sense of solemnity and... "humanity" due to the "entry" of these more than a hundred powerful divine souls.

Old Fu (the guardian spirit of the Fu family's ancestral grave), who had been waiting outside the temple in front of the grave, was now so excited that his ethereal body trembled slightly. He floated to the stone wall and carefully counted the newly added "residents," his aged voice filled with unbelievable ecstasy:
"One hundred and thirty-seven...one hundred and thirty-eight...My God! Patriarch, you...you've really stirred up a hornet's nest this time, no, you've destroyed a golden core's den!"

He turned around, facing the illusory image of Fu Changsheng who had just immersed his mind in the Netherworld, and excitedly danced around: "Enough! Enough! The fifty Golden Core Divine Souls needed to build the Yin-Yang Path were more than enough! Now the number is almost three times that! The energy is abundant and the foundation is solid!"

Seeing Fu Lao's excited expression, Fu Changsheng couldn't help but smile and asked, "Fu Lao, now that your soul is complete, what's next?"

Old Fu took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, but the glint in his eyes shone even brighter. He floated in front of Fu Changsheng, extending two withered fingers, his tone solemn and clear:
"Master, everything is ready, except for two crucial 'east winds'!"

"Firstly, we need a great wizard who is proficient in the way of Yin and Yang reincarnation and has reached at least the fourth level! He will preside over the formation in the mortal world and use his supreme magic power to communicate with Yin and Yang, locate the coordinates of my Yin dwelling in the underworld, and forcibly tear open a stable passage!"

"Secondly, we need a 'Yin Guide' in the Underworld! This person must be in tune with the master's mind and have a cultivation level of at least Golden Core to withstand the impact of the laws when the Yin-Yang Path opens and guide the souls of the Fu family into the Underworld in an orderly manner! I, an old man... alas, my remnant soul is not fit for this task."

At this point, Old Master Fu's gaze involuntarily drifted to the side of the Yin house, to the beautiful figure sitting quietly cross-legged, surrounded by pure Yin energy, diligently cultivating—the Ghost Servant Qiu Chan.

Qiu Chan seemed to sense the gaze and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes, which had originally been filled with sorrow, were now calm and resolute. She stood up and gave a graceful bow to Fu Changsheng and Old Master Fu.

Old Fu pointed at the cicada in autumn, his voice filled with anticipation:

"Master, Miss Qiu Chan is exceptionally talented and has been nourished by the aura of the Netherworld, making rapid progress. She is inherently a spirit, naturally compatible with the Netherworld, and is also a ghost servant personally mentored by you, connected to your heart! As long as she can break through to the Ghost Core (equivalent to the Golden Core) realm, she will be the best candidate for this 'Netherworld Guide'! With her assisting from within the Netherworld, and working in concert with the great shaman of the mortal world, the Path of Yin and Yang will surely be successful!"

Qiu Chan also raised her head, her gaze fixed firmly on Fu Changsheng, her voice clear and resolute:
"Master, Qiu Chan will do her utmost to break through as soon as possible and live up to your expectations! I am willing to guide the souls of the Fu family and help them return to their resting place!"

An old man and a "young man," a spirit and a ghost, both stared intently at Fu Changsheng.

Fu Changsheng looked at the densely packed golden core souls on the stone wall, then at the expectant Elder Fu and the resolute Qiu Chan, and nodded:

"Very well! I will find a way to find a fourth-tier Grand Wizard. As for Qiu Chan, I will find a way to obtain the spiritual artifact that will assist you in forming your Core. The day you succeed will be the day my Fu family's Yin-Yang Path opens, guiding the souls of the Fu clan to the afterlife and laying the foundation for eternal Yin!"

...

...

The mind returns to its original state.

Looking at the nearly one hundred Golden Core corpses before him.

Fu Changsheng had a sudden thought.

Ripples spread through the space within his body, revealing the figures of the Azure Dragon and the Skeleton Demon Vine, which had been stored in the Five Elements Space. As soon as the two spirit beasts appeared, they sensed the thick stench of blood and the chilling aura of killing intent emanating from their master, and both lowered their heads in awe.

"Thank you all for your hard work during my seclusion. Today, you can eat to your heart's content!"

"Roar--!"

Qinglin let out an excited dragon roar that shook the space, and its huge dragon body stretched out, with its body surging with azure light.

It opened its enormous maw, and a powerful suction force arose out of nowhere, like a whale sucking in water, frantically swallowing dozens of corpses along with the immense blood and energy, and the power of the Golden Core's origin! It especially favored the flesh and blood of those who were body cultivators of the Myriad Beasts Mountain and powerful demonic beast companions, as this was of great benefit to it in purifying the dragon bloodline and tempering its dragon body.

After absorbing a massive amount of energy, Qinglin's body swelled visibly, its dark blue scales becoming thicker and heavier, their edges gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen. The two small bumps on its forehead writhed violently, as if something was about to burst forth! It coiled up, clouds of mist rising around it, electric snakes crackling, its aura soaring like a rocket. The bottleneck of its peak fourth-tier level shattered under the impact of this violent energy!
A terrifying pressure, far exceeding the Golden Core level and carrying a faint dragon's might and a primal aura, spread out! Its body didn't continue to grow larger; instead, it became more refined, its streamlined form brimming with explosive power, its dragon-like appearance becoming increasingly evident. Although it hadn't truly transformed into a dragon, it had already taken a crucial step—quasi-fifth rank! Its strength was already comparable to a human Nascent Soul cultivator!

On the other hand, the Skeleton Vine behaved even more strangely.

It had no mouth, but its countless dark green, barbed vines danced wildly like living things, precisely piercing into the corpses. Whether human cultivators or demonic beasts, the tips of the vines secreted a highly corrosive liquid, rapidly melting and decomposing the remains, absorbing their essence, bone marrow, spiritual power, and even the remaining soul energy!

In particular, the corpses of Xuanming Sect cultivators, whose Yin Sha cultivation techniques were quite compatible with the death attributes of the demonic vine, became its best nourishment.

After absorbing a large amount of energy, the main vines of the Skeleton Vine became even thicker, their color a deep, almost pitch-black, with pale, bone-like patterns appearing on their surface. Its core, hidden deep within countless vines—a wooden structure resembling a skull—suddenly ignited two eerie green soul flames in its eye sockets!
"A rustling--"

Countless vines grew and intertwined wildly, exuding a dense aura of death and ominousness. Its aura also surged, breaking through its previous limits and reaching the level of near-fifth rank! At this moment, the demonic vines not only greatly increased their physical attack and devouring abilities, but the death aura they emitted could also erode the life force of living beings. The toughness of the vines was also far greater than before, enough to withstand ordinary magic weapons.

Feeling the tremendous improvement in his spirit beast companions, Fu Changsheng's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"It's not suitable to stay here for long."

As the [Drawing a Circle as a Prison] restriction talisman expired, Fu Changsheng vanished from his spot in a flash.

...

...

Within the Five Elements Space, atop Mount Ling.

Fu Changsheng handed over all the dozens of storage bags he had seized, especially the three that were most full of spiritual energy: those belonging to Huanxi Shangren, Xiong Gang, and Youquan Laoren.

With a gentle wave of her jade-like hand, Qiu Niang silently opened the bag's opening, as if ice and snow were melting away.

"Master, this harvest is quite bountiful." Qiu Niang's voice was gentle, with a hint of joy, as she began to take stock in an orderly manner.

First, the massive amounts of spirit stones and conventional resources were quickly categorized and stored in a specially designated warehouse area within her space, all under her precise divine sense scan. She also meticulously identified the efficacy, age, and preservation condition of the pills, materials, and talismans, providing optimal storage recommendations.

When Qiu Niang checked the storage bags of the three leaders, her expression gradually became serious.

"Master, please take a look at these items."

With a gentle wave of her hand, several items enveloped in soft spiritual light, along with concise and clear annotations from the list, floated in front of Fu Changsheng.

1. Core Formation Auxiliary Spiritual Object:

Seven-Aperture Exquisite Lotus (from Master Huanxi): "This lotus contains pure soul power and the vitality of creation, and is especially suitable for those with firm will and outstanding spiritual sense to form a golden core. It can improve the quality of the golden core by at least 20%." Qiu Niang lightly tapped her fingertips, and the seven orifices of the lotus seemed to breathe, emitting an aura that calmed the mind.

Blood Essence of a Hundred Beasts (from Xiong Gang): "This substance is domineering, containing the essence and blood energy of a hundred beasts. Only those with strong physical bodies can withstand it. If one can refine it, the resulting golden core will carry a trace of savage battle intent, which will be of great benefit in combat." The jar of blood essence trembled slightly, faintly emitting the roar of beasts.

The Profound Yin Condensing Pill Fruit (from Elder Youquan): "Three spiritual fruits, of extremely Yin nature, can help cultivators practicing Yin-cold and water-attribute techniques to smoothly overcome the tribulation of inner demons and purify their mana. They are rare and precious medicines." A faint black cold aura swirled around the surface of the fruit, and the surrounding temperature dropped slightly.

In addition, there are several other relatively common spiritual items for Core Formation, such as Golden Elixir and Jade Elixir, and Five Elements Spiritual Mushrooms, all of superior quality.

"Master, these spiritual items are enough to allow the family to cultivate several Golden Core cultivators with solid foundations in a short period of time," Qiu Niang concluded, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

2. Treasures for special purposes:

Joyful Reincarnation Banner (Imitation, Damaged): After careful examination, Qiu Niang said, "This banner is made of extraordinary materials, and its core runes are truly spiritual treasure-level. Unfortunately, the crafting technique is flawed, and it was damaged in this battle. If the master allows, I can use the power of the five elements of space to slowly nurture and repair it. In time, it may be able to restore 80% of its power and reach the peak of quasi-spiritual treasure."

The Horn of Ten Thousand Beasts: "This horn contains a trace of the aura of an ancient mythical beast, possessing a natural power to intimidate and control demonic beasts. If used by a member of our tribe skilled in beast taming, the effect will be even better." Qiu Niang gently stroked the rough surface of the horn.

Nine-Child Mother Soul-Chasing Mirror (Child Mirror): "I have temporarily blocked the connection between this mirror and the mother mirror. Its tracking and locking ability is quite mysterious. Perhaps... we can try to reverse the process, peek into its core runes, and even refine our own tracking magic weapon in the future." Qiu Niang put forward a bold idea.

Substitute Doll (Damaged): "What a pity," Qiu Niang said, looking at the cracked core of the doll. "The spatial substitution law it contains is extremely profound. If one can fully comprehend it, its value far exceeds that of a complete magic weapon. I will try to analyze its core runes to see if I can find a way to repair or replicate it."

3. The secret of forming an infant!

Qiu Niang carefully held the three jade slips containing the secrets of forming an infant and the animal skin in her hands, her expression the most solemn.

"A First Glimpse into the Nascent Soul" (by Master Huanxi): "Although this notebook is not an orthodox cultivation method, it records the entire process of a pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivator breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. His experience, insights, and especially his description of the bottleneck are extremely real and valuable, and can prevent later generations from taking many detours."

The "Myriad Beasts Transforming into Infants" (fragment, Xiong Gang): "Although this painting depicts demonic beasts transforming into infants, the meaning of 'myriad beasts' subtly reflects the ferocity and diversity of the energy of heaven and earth. Its depiction of energy compression and the fusion of the soul and inner core has strong reference value for the human race's infant formation and can broaden their thinking."

"The Profound Netherworld Nascent Soul Strategy" (Old Man Youquan): "This method takes an unconventional approach and is extremely dangerous, but its idea of ​​using external forces (extremely Yin lands and Profound Netherworld evil energy) to balance Yin and Yang within the body and break through bottlenecks is truly ingenious. Perhaps... it can corroborate your Chaos Dao and help you find a unique path to Nascent Soul formation."

Qiu Niang concluded, "Master, these secrets about Nascent Soul formation, though not systematic, illuminate the path forward from different angles. Their value is immeasurable. I suggest you study them carefully in the future and discuss them with the matriarch, Miss Yongxuan, and other core clan members."

As Fu Changsheng listened to Qiu Niang's report, his heart was filled with turmoil.

at the same time.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
"Ding"

"You have acquired many important resources for the family, your family contribution points have increased to 200,000, and you have been granted an additional special lottery draw opportunity."

Including the two previous ones accumulated.

He then had three special chances to win a prize.

Also.

The family contribution value has accumulated to 200,000, which is unprecedented.

Fu Changsheng focused his thoughts on the [Cultivation Technique Deduction] panel in his sea of ​​consciousness and said directly:

"Deducing the Nascent Soul Formation Secret Method that aligns with my Chaos Dao Foundation."

"Command received," the system's mechanical voice responded. "Initiating deduction of the Nascent Soul Formation technique that aligns with the host's 'Chaotic Dao Foundation'... Deduction in progress..."

In an instant.

Fu Changsheng felt a jolt in his mind, and the family contribution points that had reached 200,000 plummeted like a flood, the numbers rapidly fluctuating and decreasing.

At the same time, countless mysterious runes, patterns, and Dao patterns composed of chaotic energy flashed, combined, collided, and annihilated rapidly in his consciousness... It was a deductive process that transcended ordinary techniques and pointed directly to the origin of the Great Dao, consuming a massive amount of "energy" in every instant.

He seemed to see the beginning of the universe, before the distinction between purity and turbidity; he saw all laws returning to their origin, and from which all spirits evolved; he saw how his own chaotic foundation absorbed and exhaled the laws of heaven and earth in the simulation, how it compressed the immense magical power and divine soul far exceeding that of ordinary people, and how it nurtured a unique "Nascent Soul" in that "chaos"...

This process may seem long, but it actually happens in the blink of an eye.

When the last bit of family contribution value is completely reduced to zero, turning into a glaring [0], the system's deduction comes to an abrupt end.

"Ding!"

"The secret method deduction has been forcibly interrupted due to insufficient energy (contribution value)."

"Current simulation progress: 20%"

A massive, yet clearly incomplete, stream of information flooded into Fu Changsheng's consciousness. This stream of information contained the most basic and core "Foundation Chapter" and part of the "Core Condensation Chapter" of the Chaos Nascent Soul Formation Secret Technique.

[The Secret Technique of the Chaotic Nascent Soul (Fragment - 20%)]:
• Foundation Laying Chapter (100% Complete): This chapter details how to further purify and solidify the foundation based on the existing chaotic foundation, achieving a perfect chaotic balance between mana, physical body, and soul, thus laying an unshakable foundation for the subsequent breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage. This chapter is exceptionally profound; if mastered, the strength of one's foundation will far surpass the imagination of others at the same level.

• Core Condensation Chapter (approximately 35% complete): This chapter vaguely points to the next step—to condense a "Chaotic Primordial Core" at the center of the Chaotic Foundation, using one's own understanding of the laws of chaos as a guide. This core is the prototype of the future "Chaotic Nascent Soul." However, the specifics of how to condense it, what opportunities and resources are needed, and how to nurture and strengthen it afterward are all missing. The information ends here, leaving a large blank and unknown.

• Transformation into an Infant (0%): Completely blank.

• Tribulation Transcending Chapter (0%): Completely blank.

"Two hundred thousand contribution points... and only twenty percent was deduced..."

A complex emotion flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. It was a mixture of joy at finding a way forward and a sense of gravity regarding the massive amount of contribution points required for the subsequent deductions.

He clearly recognized that this "Chaotic Nascent Soul Secret Technique" was of an extremely high level, far surpassing ordinary methods of forming a Nascent Soul, and might even have touched upon some fundamental Dao. Therefore, the "energy" required to deduce it—that is, the family contribution points—was also astronomical.

The remaining 80% may require millions, or even more, of contribution points to make up for.

The road ahead is long and arduous.

However, Fu Changsheng's resolve did not waver; on the contrary, it became even stronger. At least, the direction was clear, and he was no longer groping in the dark. This 20% of the secret technique was enough for him to reach the pinnacle of his Golden Core cultivation and lay the most solid foundation for his future breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

He deeply imprinted 20% of the "Chao Yuan Ying Secret Technique" into the depths of his soul.

Then, his gaze fell on the lottery panel in his mind's eye.

"Three draws... I hope to bring some more surprises."

A thought.

"Start the lottery!"

(End of this chapter)