Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 608 The Dragon-Slaying Plan: Intelligence, Straight to the Heart of the Dragon
Fu Changsheng remained calm, not letting his guard down despite the fact that the other party was a remnant soul: "Please speak, senior."

“I can tell you the location of a secret treasure trove of the Joyful Sect, whose contents far exceed your imagination.”

The remnant soul slowly said:
"In exchange, you must find Li Mufeng, a disciple of the Joyful Sect, and place this item within ten feet of him when he is completely unprepared."

With a flick of her illusory finger, a small black shuttle, neither gold nor jade, engraved with a twin lotus pattern, flew out of the jade pendant, hovering in the air and exuding an eerie aura.

"Li Mufeng?"

Fu Changsheng felt the name sounded familiar. After a moment's thought, he recalled the information Yue Zhenshan had mentioned and said directly:
"The Li Mufeng you speak of, senior, is now the Supreme Elder of the Joyful Sect, with the Daoist name 'True Lord Joyful,' and possesses the cultivation of the early Nascent Soul stage. I am merely at the late Golden Core stage, so I am afraid I cannot comply with this request."

"What?! He... he's formed his Nascent Soul?! And become a Supreme Elder?!" Upon hearing this, the remnant soul was initially violently shocked, erupting with intense shock and rage, its soul body twisting and trembling. But then, it transformed into a near-manic ecstasy, "Good! Good! Good! He really succeeded! He paved his Nascent Soul path with my Dao foundation, my cultivation, everything I have! Hahaha..."

After her maniacal laughter subsided, seeing that Fu Changsheng was already considering leaving this place entangled in karma, she quickly composed herself, her voice filled with deep-seated hatred and urgency:

"Young man, wait! Now that things have come to this, I will not hide it from you! My name is Liu Hanyan, and I am Li Mufeng's... former Daoist partner!"

She quickened her pace, recounting that long-buried secret:

"Back then, he meticulously planned and laid a shocking deception! From our first meeting to our getting to know each other and falling in love, it was all carefully orchestrated by him! He lured me into cultivating a profound dual cultivation technique called the 'Heart-to-Heart Jade Planting Technique,' claiming that this technique could help the two of us jointly comprehend the Great Dao and that we could expect to reach the Divine Transformation stage in the future! At first, it did have an effect, and our cultivation progressed rapidly..."

"However, just as we were both in seclusion, trying to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, a sudden change occurred! I had just completed my Nascent Soul cultivation, but all my magical power and cultivation inexplicably dissipated overnight, and my essence and blood also rapidly drained away! I forcibly interrupted my cultivation, suffered a backlash, and was severely injured!!"

Liu Hanyan's remnant soul trembled violently, filled with boundless hatred:
"At that moment, I suddenly realized! It was all a conspiracy! That 'Heart-to-Heart Jade Planting Technique' was nothing but an extremely vicious 'Calligraphy and Foundation Seizure' evil technique! All those years of nurturing were just to use me as a stepping stone and a great medicine for him to break through to the Nascent Soul stage! I led my loyal disciples in a desperate fight to escape the encirclement, barely escaping to this place, but alas... in the end, I was exhausted and died with regret, leaving only this wisp of my soul, which is now attached to this ancient Soul-Nourishing Jade I obtained in my early years, barely clinging to life..."

"For nearly a thousand years, I have been studying the 'Heart-to-Heart Jade Planting Technique' every moment, deducing its flaws! Heaven has not forsaken me, and I have finally found a glimmer of hope!" She looked intently at Fu Changsheng, "This 'Reversal of Fate Shuttle' is the culmination of my life's work! As long as you can place this shuttle within ten feet of Li Mufeng when he is completely unprepared, preferably while he is in seclusion cultivating the secret techniques related to the 'Heart-to-Heart Jade Planting Technique,' I can use the technique to reverse Yin and Yang, reclaim everything that belongs to me! Even... turn the tables!"

"At that time, his thousand years of cultivation and the foundation he stole from me will all be used to pave the way for my success!" Liu Hanyan's remnant soul exuded an almost insane obsession. "Junior, as long as you help me accomplish this, I will not only tell you all the secrets of the Joyful Sect, but after I regain control of my physical body and merge my cultivation, I can also make a great oath to protect your Fu family for a thousand years and use the full power of the Joyful Sect to help you ascend to the Nascent Soul stage!"

Fu Changsheng's eyes flickered as he quickly weighed his options.

Seeing Fu Changsheng's silence, Liu Hanyan knew his concerns. Her lingering soul trembled, and her tone carried a hint of urgency and final honesty:

“Young man, I know you have doubts. I, Liu Hanyan, swear on my remaining soul essence that everything I just said is true! That Li Mufeng is a wolf in sheep's clothing, a hypocrite who stole my Dao foundation. This enmity is irreconcilable! My remnant soul body has lingered for a thousand years, and my only obsession is revenge!”

She paused, her voice carrying a hint of seduction and allure:

"Your help is not to make enemies unnecessarily, but to act on behalf of Heaven and eliminate a hypocrite and a true demon in the cultivation world! After it is done, you will benefit, I will fulfill my wish, and we will each get what we need. Isn't that a win-win situation?"

Fu Changsheng's gaze was deep as he slowly spoke:
"The hatred for the senior is indeed regrettable. Li Mufeng's actions are also despicable. However..." He changed the subject, "This junior is only at the late Golden Core stage. How can I participate in the battle at the Nascent Soul stage? Even with the senior's secret techniques, how can I get close to the Joyful True Monarch who is in seclusion? This matter is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanyan's remnant soul glowed faintly, as if she had seen a glimmer of hope, and she quickly said:
“I have my own plans for this matter! The ‘United Hearts Reversing Origin Technique’ originates from an ancient secret realm and is extremely profound. Because Li Mufeng and I once practiced this technique together to a great extent, even though we are separated by a thousand years, there is still a very weak connection between us, which comes from the origin of the technique. This is also why I can vaguely sense that he has formed his Nascent Soul.”

"The core of my 'Reverse Origin Return to Truth' technique is to amplify and reverse this connection! You don't need to confront him directly; you only need to use your own pure magical power as a guide to help me construct the 'Reverse Origin Channel' when I cast the spell! As for how to approach him..."

Her illusory finger pointed to the skeleton:

"The place where I passed away was not chosen randomly. The earth veins deep within this place are faintly connected to a spiritual eye in the forbidden area of ​​the Joyful Sect's back mountain. Although weak, with the help of the 'Mysterious Female Forbidden Array' I set up before my death, its aura can be completely concealed, and its power can be slowly accumulated. I need you to help me modify this array slightly, transforming the earth vein's spiritual power accumulated over thousands of years into a one-time 'force to break the barrier.' At the moment when I sense Li Mufeng's seclusion reaching its most critical point, when his mind and the laws of heaven and earth are most deeply integrated, and when his perception of the outside world is weakest, I will forcibly tear open a crack in the forbidden area's defenses! In just an instant, I can use this to establish contact and construct the 'Reverse Origin Passage'!"

“Your planning over a thousand years is truly admirable,” Fu Changsheng said thoughtfully. “However, this matter is of great importance, and I need to confirm a few things.”

"Go ahead," Liu Hanyan said.

"First, you need to tell me part of the location of the secret treasure vault and how to open it, as a sign of sincerity."

“Okay.” Liu Hanyan replied without hesitation, immediately transmitting a message with her divine sense, which included the approximate location of the treasure pavilion and the characteristics of the outer restrictions, but with some details omitted.

After a brief examination, Fu Changsheng compared the information with the information obtained from the previous soul search and confirmed that it was correct, which made him somewhat more convinced.

"Secondly, regarding the 'Reverse Origin Return to Truth' method, senior, please allow me to observe it. At the very least, I need to confirm its risk of backlash and the requirements for the spellcaster."

Liu Hanyan hesitated slightly, but still transmitted a complex incantation and principle of the cultivation technique. While the core reversal mechanism remained somewhat vague, the general framework and requirements for the assistant were clearly visible. Fu Changsheng secretly deduced that it bore a striking resemblance to the section on energy balance and transformation in the foundational chapter of the *Chaotic Nascent Soul Secret Technique*, and he perfectly met the requirements for the assistant! This further convinced him.

“Third,” Fu Changsheng looked sharply at Liu Hanyan’s remnant soul, “after the matter is accomplished, how can you guarantee that you won’t abandon me after I’ve served my purpose? I need a soul contract.”

Liu Hanyan's remnant soul trembled, and she gave Fu Changsheng a deep look: "The junior is indeed cautious." She pondered for a moment and said, "Alright. You and I shall establish a soul contract, agreeing to share the treasure. After I take my revenge, I shall not harm you or your family in any way, and I shall provide you with my full assistance with my Nascent Soul experience once when you form your Nascent Soul. As for you, you shall help me complete the 'Reverse Origin Return to Truth' and shall not betray me halfway."

This condition is considered relatively fair.

Fu Changsheng pondered for a long time. The risks were real, but the rewards were equally enormous. The Joyful Sect's secret treasure could solve the family's needs for constructing the Reincarnation Pool.

More importantly, if handled properly, this matter could potentially cripple or even eliminate the Joyful Sect, a major enemy, without bloodshed.

“Very well!” Fu Changsheng finally nodded, his eyes resolute. “I will accept this matter! I will then establish this soul contract with you, senior, to work together on this matter!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanyan's remnant soul finally revealed a complex expression, one of relief mixed with boundless hatred: "Good! Good! Li Mufeng... you wait, I'll be back for you soon..."

At that moment, the two swore an oath using their soul essence, establishing an inviolable soul contract.

The contract is now in effect.

The next step was to devise a suitable vessel for Liu Hanyan to possess.

before this.

Just in case, he needed to exchange for some information, so he immediately focused his thoughts on the panel in his mind's eye:
"Exchange Information"

hum!
The panel trembled, a surge of yellow light appeared, and then lines of text emerged:

[1: The "Plain Maiden Skill" practiced by Princess Runyu of the royal family requires maintaining one's primordial yin body. However, this is a modified version. The original version requires the balance of yin and yang to achieve mastery.]

[2: The sacred relic "Blood Sacrifice Drum" of the Black Witch Village in the Northern Frontier seals an ancient war spirit; striking it can temporarily grant battlefield buffs.]

[3: The missing part of the "Ten Thousand Beasts Transforming into Infants" scroll that you obtained from Xiong Gang is hidden in a secret compartment of the altar in Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain.]

[4: The forbidden area of ​​the "Valley of Ten Thousand Demons," a sacred land of the demon race in the Eastern Wilderness, is home to "Transformation Grass," which can help demon beasts transform into human form ahead of time, but will damage their foundation.]

[5: The Great Zhou Academy's Sutra Repository contains a hidden copy of the "Righteous Qi Manual," which can only be read by those with merit.]

[6: At the bottom of the Jinsha River, where the century-old auction was held in the Netherworld Market in the far west, lies an ancient national treasure ship, containing a large amount of Geng metal essence.]

[7: The portrait of Emperor Taizu enshrined in Princess Runyu's mansion contains two "clear pearls" in its eyes, which can see through illusions.]

[8: Beneath the eternal ice layer of Cherry Blossom Island in the South China Sea lies the corpse of an ancient cultivator, who clutches a "Frosty Jade Box" containing insights into Nascent Soul Formation.]

[9: The well in the Huang family's secret stronghold in the far west leads to an underground cave where "Earth Core Milk," which can cure all poisons, grows.]

[10: A group of rocky reefs on a deserted island in the South China Sea is actually the remnant of an ancient array, which will reveal a star array pattern on the night of a full moon.]

[11: The last three pages of the "Mysterious Netherworld Infant Condensation Strategy" that you obtained from the Old Man of the Netherworld need to be soaked in Netherworld Weak Water to become visible.]

[12: During thunderstorms, the ancient battlefield ruins of the Eastern Wilderness will exhibit illusions of ghostly soldiers passing through, which conceal secret methods for cultivating battle spirits.]

[13: A seemingly ordinary medicine-hunting rat in the Fu family's spirit beast garden possesses the bloodline of a "treasure-hunting rat," which can be awakened by feeding it a gold-type spirit stone.]

[14: The lowest level of the Great Zhou Ministry of Justice prison holds the former dynasty's Grand Preceptor, who possesses the "Qi Observation Technique" and can observe the fortune of others.]

[15: At the bottom of the "Burial Abyss of Gods," a forbidden place shared by the three major tribes of the Northern Frontier, lies a wounded ancient witch god.]

[16: Deep within the royal hunting grounds dwells a white deer whose antlers can cure love potions]

[17: The forbidden area behind the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion contains the "Zhou Tian Star Chart" used by the first Pavilion Master for divination, which can slightly increase the success rate of divination.]

[18: The Cao family's ancestral jade pendant contains a sword intent that can be activated to protect its owner in times of crisis for the Cao family's bloodline]

[19: The "Reverse Origin Return to Truth" method you obtained from Liu Hanyan requires cultivation on the night of a lunar eclipse to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Everything Liu Hanyan said to you is true, and it is a great help in your annihilation of True Lord Huanxi.]

[20: An ancient body cultivator is frozen in the snowy mountains of northern Xinjiang, and his heart is still beating slowly.]

[21: The Netherworld Weak Water Technique, a secret manual passed down by the Ouyang clan, contains a "Water Mirror Substitute Technique," which can create a water clone with 70% of the original's strength at crucial moments, but requires consuming ten years of lifespan.]

[22: Near the "Spiritual Vine" in the Misty Islands of the South China Sea, a group of "Phantom Sound Sea Demons" dwell. Their songs can bewitch the minds of Golden Core cultivators. It is necessary to prepare a "Heart-Cleansing Jade Pendant" in advance.]

[23: If Fu Molan consumes the "Enlightenment Green Leaf" spiritual tea, her unique "craftsmanship talent" may grant her a sudden enlightenment, allowing her to create mechanical artifacts with basic intelligence.]

[24: Deep within the Yunlang Mountains, there is a "Ten-Thousand-Year Blood Poria" that is about to take human form. If it can be captured when its transformation tribulation is at its weakest, it can be used to refine a longevity pill, adding three hundred years to one's lifespan.]

[25: The ancient teleportation array in the forbidden area of ​​the Tianyin Tribe is located at the other end deep in the "Glassy Coral Forest" of the South China Sea, but teleportation requires ten high-grade spirit stones.]

[26: If Fu Molan's puppet "Wuguang" absorbs enough fourth-tier metal to advance, it will awaken the talent "Shadow Stealth," which allows it to enter the shadows and evade divine sense detection.]

[27: When the Thunderwing King of the Thunderwing Tribe lays its eggs, it will attract heavenly lightning to temper the eggs. This is the best time to seize the eggs, but it is also the most dangerous.]

[28: Huang Huanhuan, the daughter of the Huang clan chief, possesses a latent "Water Cloud Spirit Body," which is most compatible with Liu Hanyan's cultivation techniques and physique for possession. Currently, Huang Huanhuan is in the Black Swamp, a secret stronghold in the far west. Because Huang Huanhuan has not yet awakened her spirit body, her cultivation is slow. She is naturally insecure, yet eager to prove herself.]

[29: Another fruit from the family's treasure tree is bestowed upon you and Wu Ling'er's child, Fu Yongkong, who will be born with ancient wizarding skills.]

[30: In the forbidden area behind the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, a strange beast with the bloodline of "Listening" is imprisoned. Its blood can be used to refine "Illusion-Dispelling Talismans," which can see through most illusions and disguises.]

[31: Thousands of feet underground at the Xuanming Sect's headquarters, there is a faint "Yin Vein" that erupts with "Xuan Yin Sha Qi" every sixty years, which can help cultivators like Elder Youquan refine magical treasures.]

[32: If your Five Elements Space can be integrated with "Innate Five Elements Spiritual Objects", a faint trace of "Creation Qi" will be born in the space, which can accelerate the growth of spiritual herbs. This item will be the first and final treasure in the auction of the Netherworld Market.]

【33:……】

……

A total of fifty pieces of intelligence were exchanged.

Fu Changsheng quickly scanned the map and soon made arrangements for the upcoming itinerary.

At the same time, a thought occurred.

The ancient animal hide, which he had obtained from the Old Man of Youquan and which contained the "Xuanming Ningying Strategy," appeared in his hands.

The animal hide had a peculiar texture, cold to the touch, and the writing on it was obscure, filled with sinister and eerie meaning. He had already read the previous chapter, and although he found its methods perilous, its ingenious ideas about using extreme yin power to balance yin and yang and break through bottlenecks did indeed inspire him.

However, the last three pages of the animal hide were completely blank, as if deliberately obscured by some force. He tried various methods, but none could make them appear.

“The power of the Netherworld originates from the Nine Netherworlds, and is extremely yin and pure. Perhaps it is worth a try.” A flash of inspiration struck Fu Changsheng. He thought of the core of the Netherworld, the mysterious Heavenly Dragon Temple, and the dark waters in front of the temple that seemed to devour all light—the Yellow Springs.

He focused his mind into his body, communicating with the underworld.

The next moment, the animal skin scroll in his hand disappeared silently, and when it reappeared, it was already suspended deep in the underworld, in front of the majestic and ancient Heavenly Dragon Temple.

Old Fu, who had been waiting outside the temple in front of the burial site, was slightly taken aback when he saw the suddenly appearing animal skin scroll. Then, sensing the mysterious and yin energy on it that was incompatible with the underworld, he immediately understood Fu Changsheng's intention.

"Does the patriarch intend to use the power of the Netherworld Weak Water to refine this item?" Old Master Fu's illusory figure floated to the side of the animal skin scroll and observed it carefully.

“Not bad. This is the ‘Mysterious Netherworld Nascent Soul Strategy.’ The last three pages are obscured by a secret technique. You must carefully manipulate the Weak Water and be careful not to damage the vessel.” Fu Changsheng’s thoughts echoed in the Netherworld.

"I understand!" Old Fu's expression was solemn. Although he was a remnant soul, he could still control some of the inherent powers of the underworld. He stretched out his withered finger and gently guided it towards the silent Netherworld Weak Water in front of the temple.

With a soft splash, a stream of jet-black water, exuding extreme cold and a purifying aura, separated from the dark waters as if it were alive, and slowly wrapped around the suspended animal hide scroll.

The moment the animal hide scroll touched the Netherworld Weak Water, it trembled violently! The originally dark and malevolent aura on it seemed to have met its nemesis, emitting a soft "sizzling" sound, and began to dissipate and peel away in wisps. And the three blank pages, soaked in the extremely yin and pure Weak Water, began to show faint, winding patterns like blood vessels!
The patterns became clearer and clearer, gradually coalescing into an ancient and eerie script and pattern! The script was not the common script of the human race, and it was full of gloom and ominousness. The pattern depicted various dangerous methods that used yin energy, corpse energy, and even the resentment of remnant souls to assist in the condensation of the nascent soul. Even Old Fu was terrified when he saw it.

"Master, it's done!" Elder Fu hurriedly reported, "The last three pages contain... forbidden techniques that violate the laws of nature and are extremely dangerous!"

Fu Changsheng's consciousness swept over the displayed content, and as Elder Fu had said, it was full of unorthodox, even demonic, methods. But he did not feel disgusted; instead, a glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes.

"There are three thousand Great Daos, all of which can lead to enlightenment. Although the Xuanming Method is perilous, its application and transformation of negative energies such as Yin, Sha, and Death offer a certain interpretation of the Yin aspect of Chaos. By grasping its essence and discarding its form, one may be able to supplement my Dao."

Just as he was beginning to understand, and was comparing the profound mysteries of the entire *Xuanming Ningying Strategy*, especially the extreme energy transformation concepts contained in the forbidden methods of the last three pages, with his own *Chaotic Nascent Soul Secret Method*, refining and eliminating the dross—

In the sea of ​​consciousness, the dormant system panel displayed the progress of the deduction of the [Chaotic Nascent Soul Secret Technique]. The number, which had been stuck at 20%, blurred slightly before jumping forward a small space!

[The Secret Technique of the Chaotic Nascent Soul (Fragment - 21%)]:
• Foundation Laying Chapter (100% Complete):
• The Core Formation Chapter (approximately 45% complete):
• Transformation into an Infant (0%): Completely blank.

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

Although it was only a 1% increase, Fu Changsheng could clearly feel that his understanding of "chaos," especially the part of chaos that encompasses and transforms negative attribute energies such as "yin," "death," and "evil," had become more profound and clear. The previously vague key points about how to balance the various opposing energies in the body in the "Core Condensation Chapter" now seemed to have been wiped away with a thin layer of fog, becoming much clearer!
"It really works!" Fu Changsheng was thrilled. Gathering the strengths of a hundred schools and integrating all methods into one, this was the best way for him to deduce his own Chaos Dao! Although the "Mysterious Netherworld Infant Condensation Strategy" was not a righteous path, its unique perspective and methods were like a special piece of fuel thrown into the Chaos Furnace, accelerating the deduction process of the secret technique!
He retrieved the animal skin scroll and stored it carefully. He wouldn't practice the specific methods contained within, but the "principles" it contained had already become resources, nourishing his path of cultivation.

"It seems that I will need to collect more cultivation techniques and manuals at the Nascent Soul stage and even higher levels in the future, regardless of whether they are righteous or evil..."

A clear path to self-cultivation through the myriad methods slowly unfolded before him. The system's deductions did not arise out of thin air, but were based on his own insights and accumulated knowledge. The greater the accumulation, the faster the deductions, and the clearer the path ahead!
"Let's go to the Huang family's stronghold, the Black Swamp, first!"

The first step in slaying the dragon was to successfully possess Liu Hanyan's body.

...

...

Black Swamp, the Huang family's secret stronghold.

The night was as dark as ink, and the thick poisonous miasma almost blocked out all light and sound. Only the faint light of the array within the stronghold illuminated the dark shadows.

Deep within the stronghold, in a slightly luxurious, secluded stone chamber, Huang Huanhuan was carefully tidying her hair and clothes in front of a water mirror. The girl in the mirror had a delicate and pretty face, but her brows and eyes held an unyielding melancholy.

"Hmph, that Huang Huanyu, relying on Father's favor, always bosses me around! And those guys, they flatter me to my face, but behind my back they don't know what they say about me being a good-for-nothing!" She bit her lip and forcefully stuck a pearl hairpin into her hair, as if that would give her some confidence.

During the day, she "accidentally" overheard two patrolling disciples whispering, mentioning unusual spiritual energy fluctuations at the northern foot of Changling Mountain, suspected to be traces of a rare spirit insect called the "Spirit-Devouring Insect." A Spirit-Devouring Insect! If captured, it would greatly benefit the family's foundation!
This news was like a spark, instantly igniting her long-suppressed resentment and desire for recognition.

"They all think I'm no good... but I'm going to prove them wrong!" A resolute glint flashed in Huang Huanhuan's eyes. "Once I catch those Soul-Devouring Insects, let's see who dares to look down on me! Even Father will look at me with new respect!"

She completely disregarded her father's strict order "not to leave the base without permission," her mind filled with images of triumph and glory after achieving merit. Her intense vanity and desire to prove herself overwhelmed her fear of the unknown risks.

That night, at midnight.

The stronghold was completely silent, with most disciples either immersed in cultivation or asleep. Huang Huanhuan changed into a tight-fitting dress that allowed for easy movement, concealed her aura to the extreme, and slipped out of her stone chamber as silently as a raccoon dog.

She had already figured out the weak points in the outer perimeter of the stronghold's security formations and the shift changes between patrolling disciples. Relying on her familiarity with the terrain and a reckless impulse, she actually managed to pass through layers of protection without any real danger, her figure disappearing into the thick, impenetrable miasma and darkness outside the stronghold.

After determining the direction, she sped off towards the northern foot of Changling Mountain without hesitation, her heart filled with tension, excitement, and anticipation.

Unbeknownst to her, her every move had already been observed by a figure hidden in the void, whose aura blended perfectly with the night.

Fu Changsheng stood atop a withered ancient tree, his hands behind his back, coldly watching the pale yellow figure disappear into the depths of the swamp.

"The fish has taken the bait," he muttered to himself, his expression completely calm.

All of this was, of course, a carefully orchestrated scheme. The so-called "traces of the Soul-Devouring Insects" were merely a deception he created using special techniques, and through extremely secretive methods, he ensured that only the proud and ambitious Huang Huanhuan, eager to prove herself, could "accidentally" learn of it.

He had calculated Huang Huanhuan's personality perfectly, and he knew that she wouldn't report the matter, but would instead choose to take the risk and claim the credit for herself.

"Next, we will lure you into the trap."

...

...

Hidden caves on the northern slope of Changling Mountain.

Suppressing her excitement, Huang Huanhuan followed the faint, unique fluctuations of spiritual energy and indeed found her target deep within the cave—dozens of crystal-clear, spirit-devouring insects, their bodies shimmering like carved crystals, were crawling on the rock wall, wriggling slightly and emitting an alluring spiritual energy.

"It really is here! That's wonderful!" She was overjoyed, as if she could already see the shocked and envious looks in her clansmen's eyes, and her father's approving gaze. She quickly took out the jade bottle and magical artifacts specially used to capture spirit insects from her storage bag, and cautiously approached the swarm of insects.

However, just as she was fully focused and preparing to claim this "great achievement"—

"Om-!"

A deep hum suddenly resounded! Countless crisscrossing spiritual patterns instantly lit up the entire cave wall, forming a huge light array that emitted a strange suction force, enveloping her and the spirit-devouring insects! A powerful suppressive force descended, and the flow of spiritual energy within her body instantly became extremely sluggish, almost causing her to drop the jade bottle from her hand!
"What's going on?! An ambush!" Huang Huanhuan's face paled, utterly horrified. Her first thought wasn't her own safety, but rather that she absolutely couldn't bring shame to her family!

She forced herself to remain calm, and shouted fiercely but inwardly, "Who dares to plot against me! I am Huang Huanhuan, the daughter of the sixth-rank Huang family patriarch from Wuzhou! If you know what's good for you, immediately dismantle the formation, or my Huang family will wipe you out!"

In response to her was a figure in a green robe who appeared like a ghost outside the array's light barrier, with a cold face and eyes as indifferent as ancient ice.

The moment Huang Huanhuan saw that face clearly, she felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her blood freezing instantly! All her courage and pretense crumbled in an instant!
"Fu... Fu Changsheng?!" Her voice was shrill and distorted, filled with unspeakable fear. She had seen this face countless times in the portraits secretly collected by her family; her father had repeatedly warned her that this man was a major threat to the Huang family, and should never be provoked! How could he be here?! How could he have come looking for her?!

Overwhelmed by terror, her legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees with a thud, tears streaming down her face. All traces of her previous arrogance vanished: "Senior Fu... Senior Fu! Spare me! I don't know where I offended you, please have mercy! If you spare my life, I... I'll do anything!"

As if grasping at the last straw, she incoherently threw out all her bargaining chips: "My father loves me the most, I can make him apologize to you, the Huang family can form an alliance with the Fu family! I... I can marry you, and from then on the Huang and Fu families will be united and jointly control Wuzhou! Please, spare me!"

She couldn't understand why she, an insignificant daughter who had been half-abandoned by her family, would attract the personal attention of this god of death.

Fu Changsheng looked down at her as if watching an ant's death throes, his eyes devoid of any emotion. He found her proposed "marriage alliance" and "coalition" both laughable and pathetic.

"Your value lies not in this," he said indifferently, while forming a hand seal.

The light from the array within the cave suddenly changed, transforming from a force of confinement and suppression into a tearing and pulling force targeting the soul! The Soul-Seizing Array has officially activated!
"No—!!" Huang Huanhuan let out an extremely shrill scream, feeling as if her soul was being forcibly pulled out of her body by an invisible force! She struggled desperately, but the force was like an abyss, irresistible.

The Soul-Nourishing Jade flew out from Fu Changsheng's sleeve, and Liu Hanyan's remnant soul transformed into a condensed white light, which rushed into Huang Huanhuan's brow, which was twisted in pain, without hesitation.

The possession has begun.

Huang Huanhuan's struggles grew weaker and weaker, and the light in her eyes was gradually replaced by another cold, deep light, containing a thousand years of hatred and vicissitudes.

After an unknown amount of time, the light from the array inside the cave gradually subsided.

Huang Huanhuan slowly stood up, stretched her neck and limbs, and revealed a cold and unfamiliar smile. She felt this young body; although its cultivation was low, the hidden, latent Water Cloud Body made her very satisfied.

"It's a success." She looked at Fu Changsheng, her voice still Huang Huanhuan's delicate and sweet voice, but the tone had become that of Liu Hanyan.

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly: "Did you gain anything?"

Liu Hanyan closed her eyes for a moment, quickly flipping through the remaining fragments of Huang Huanhuan's memory, her cold smile becoming increasingly pronounced:

"Just as you predicted, young friend Fu. Old dog Huang is ruthless. After he used the Poison Scorpion Gang, in order to silence them, he not only used them to kill, but also personally sent people to wipe out all the remaining members who might know the inside story, to ensure that nothing went wrong."

“Not only that,” she opened her eyes, a cold glint in them, “he also secretly supported another gang of bandits called ‘Black Wind Bandits’ in Wuzhou, specifically to handle some shady dealings for him, as well as… to monitor and probe the movements of your Fu family. This old fox certainly knows the principle of not putting all his eggs in one basket.”

"Furthermore," she said, her tone growing more serious, "the protective array at the Huang family's mountain is even more troublesome than the rumors suggest. It's called the 'Nine Revolutions Profound Yellow Array,' passed down from the Huang family's ancestors. It's said that a 'Profound Yellow Sword Qi' left behind from ancient times is buried at its core. Once the array is fully activated, it can trigger a counterattack of sword qi, with enough power to instantly injure or even kill a Nascent Soul stage cultivator! This is one of the Huang family's greatest assets."

Fu Changsheng's eyes narrowed slightly after hearing this. The Huang clan chief was indeed cunning and ruthless, leaving no room for future trouble. And the "Nine Revolutions Profound Yellow Array" threatening Nascent Soul cultivators was a considerable problem. However, knowing this was better than being kept in the dark.

“This intelligence is very useful,” Fu Changsheng said. “You should leave with me first and adapt to and improve the strength of this body as soon as possible. As for the Huang family, there’s no need to alert them for now.”

Liu Hanyan nodded. Now she and Fu Changsheng were in the same boat, and taking revenge on Li Mufeng was their primary goal.

The two did not linger. Fu Changsheng waved his hand to remove the array in the cave, erasing all traces. Then, with "Huang Huanhuan," they left Changling Mountain silently, as if blending into the night.

...

...

The Huang family's secret stronghold, the council hall.

The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. Seated at the head of the table was Huang Shan, the Golden Core elder who had led the group. His face was solemn, and his brows were furrowed. Below him, a dozen core Purple Mansion stage disciples stood on either side, led by Huang Huanyu, an elite disciple from the clan leader's lineage. Huang Huanyu was exceptionally talented, adept at handling affairs, and deeply trusted by Huang Shan; he was, in effect, the leader of this group of disciples.

"Huanyu, say it again, is Huanhuan really gone?" Elder Huangshan's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible weariness and anger. Only a few days of peace and quiet, and this blunder has occurred!
Huang Huanyu stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Reporting to Elder Shan, the disciples on patrol last night did not see Huanhuan return to her room. This morning, her maid went to call her to cultivate, but found the room empty, and... the bed was neatly made, as if she had not slept last night. We have secretly searched the stronghold inside and out three times, but have not found any trace of her."

These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion in the hall. Some were worried, some were gloating, and others were dissatisfied.

"Nonsense! The clan leader repeatedly warned her not to leave the stronghold even for a moment! How dare she go out without permission!" A hot-tempered disciple couldn't help but shout.

“What’s the use of saying all this now? The most important thing is to find her as soon as possible! If something happens to Huanhuan outside, how will we explain it to the clan leader?” Another female disciple who had a good relationship with Huang Huanhuan said anxiously.

"Search? How? This Black Swamp is so vast and fraught with danger. We're unfamiliar with the area, where are we supposed to search?" someone objected.

Seeing that a debate was about to break out, Elder Huang Shan coughed heavily to quell the noise and looked sharply at Huang Huanyu: "Huanyu, you have always been decisive. In your opinion, how should this matter be handled? Should we immediately send people out to search, or... immediately send a message back to the clan leader?"

All eyes were on Huang Huanyu.

Huang Huanyu had already weighed the pros and cons in his mind. His expression was calm and composed as he spoke unhurriedly: "Elder Shan, although Huanhuan is a woman, her cultivation has reached the Purple Mansion level, and she is not without the ability to protect herself. She has only been missing for one night. Perhaps she is just young and playful, unable to bear the loneliness of this place, and secretly slipped out to relax. Maybe she will return on her own tomorrow or the day after. If we go out to search in a big way now, we will not only violate the clan leader's strict orders, but we will also be more likely to expose the location of our stronghold and attract unnecessary trouble. It would be a loss for us."

He paused, observed Elder Huang Shan's expression, and continued, "Secondly, if we report this matter to the clan leader now... everyone think about it, with Huanhuan's... strong-willed nature, if she returns safely and finds out that we alarmed the clan leader because of her momentary willfulness, what will she think? She will definitely think that we made a mountain out of a molehill and looked down on her. There will be no shortage of complaints, which will only damage the harmony."

“More importantly,” Huang Huanyu lowered his voice, a hint of meaning in it, “the clan leader entrusted us with such a heavy responsibility because he trusts us to safeguard this foundation. If, due to negligence, the clan leader’s beloved daughter goes missing and is reported, even if the clan leader doesn’t say it outright, he will inevitably think that we… are incompetent and can’t even keep an eye on one person. This will likely affect our future standing in the clan…”

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present wasn't a fool; they instantly understood the crux of the matter. Reporting it would likely mean no credit, but instead, taking the blame! And it would also offend that petty Huang Huanhuan.

Elder Huang Shan remained silent upon hearing this, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his chair. Huang Huanyu's words struck a chord with him. He didn't want to be blamed for incompetence because of a willful young girl, or even risk losing the clan leader's trust in him.

“What Huanyu said makes sense.” After a long silence, Elder Huangshan slowly spoke and made a decision. “Pass down the order to strengthen the security of the stronghold and secretly keep an eye on the surrounding area. Do not go out to search for the time being, and… do not report to the clan leader for the time being. Wait three more days. If Huanhuan has not returned after three days, we will discuss it again!”

"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison, and most of them breathed a sigh of relief.

...

...

The following day, as dawn broke, the gloom of the Black Swamp was dispelled.

Inside the Huang family stronghold, the atmosphere remained tense due to Huang Huanhuan's disappearance. The patrolling disciples kept their eyes wide open, not daring to relax for a moment.

Just then, a pale yellow figure appeared at the edge of the poisonous miasma surrounding the stronghold, walking somewhat "disheveled" towards the stronghold, carefully holding a specially made jade bottle brimming with spiritual energy in its hands.

"It's Miss Huanhuan! Miss Huanhuan is back!" A sharp-eyed patrolling disciple immediately gave the signal.

A commotion immediately broke out within the stronghold. Elder Huang Shan, Huang Huanyu, and a group of core disciples quickly arrived at the edge of the formation.

Huang Huanhuan's hair was slightly loose, with a few strands of black hair falling down her cheeks. The hem of her exquisite pale yellow dress was stained with mud and dew. Her face showed just the right amount of fatigue, but her eyes were bright and sparkling. She raised her chin with a smug look that seemed to say, "Praise me!"

(End of this chapter)