Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 624 Breakthrough, Family Goal, Terrified

Tianlang Mountain, Council Hall.

The hall was brightly lit. Although it had been through a great battle, it had been quickly cleaned up, though a faint trace of blood and smoke still lingered in the air. Fu Changsheng sat upright in the main seat, his aura calm, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

After a brief period of rest and recuperation, Su Wan, Chen Feng, and Fairy Tianyin, though still somewhat pale, had regained much of their composure and stood solemnly. Elders responsible for specific matters, including Mo Lan, Qing Ru, and Liu Meizhen, were also present.

"My lord, elders," Liu Meizhen stepped forward, holding a jade slip in her hands, and reported clearly to Fu Changsheng and the others, "The spoils we have seized this time mainly came from the storage bags of the seventeen Golden Core cultivators and some of their Purple Mansion commanders who attacked the Vermilion Bird Tribe. Because they were on the expedition, they did not carry all their possessions with them, mostly combat supplies and some spare resources."

She paused briefly, then began to report in detail:
"A total of 872 high-grade spirit stones, more than 54,000 mid-grade spirit stones, and more than one million low-grade spirit stones were seized."

"There are more than 300 bottles of various recovery, healing and detoxification pills, including three bottles of the fourth-tier healing pill 'Red Sun Rejuvenation Pill', five bottles of the fourth-tier spiritual energy recovery pill 'Purple Mansion Spirit Nourishing Pill', and the rest are mostly third-tier quality."

"Regarding magical artifacts and treasures, we have obtained three intact fourth-tier treasures: the Crimson Flame Halberd, the Vermilion Bird Feather Fan, and the Blazing Fire Shield. We have also obtained a total of forty-five third-tier magical artifacts and treasures, many of which are of high quality. The remaining damaged or lower-grade artifacts have been reclassified and can be recycled or rewarded to our subordinates."

"Regarding talismans, there are two fourth-tier attack talismans, 'Meteor Shower Talisman,' one fourth-tier defense talisman, 'Thick Earth Barrier Talisman,' and over two hundred third-tier talismans of various kinds."

"In addition, there are various refining materials, spiritual herbs and medicines, mainly fire-attribute materials, including rare items such as 'Earth Core Fire Jade' and 'Millennial Crimson Copper'. The specific list has been recorded in the jade slip."

After Liu Meizhen finished her report, she respectfully presented the jade slip.

Although everyone in the hall was somewhat prepared, they were still shocked by the enormous sum of money they had just received.

Seventeen Golden Core cultivators represent almost the entire high-end combat force of a mid-sized family. Their accumulated wealth, even if not their entire fortune, is enough to instantly enrich the Fu family's foundation!
In particular, those three complete fourth-tier magic treasures and several bottles of fourth-tier spirit pills are strategic resources that money cannot easily buy.

Fu Changsheng scanned the jade slip with his divine sense and nodded slightly.

These resources are sufficient to make up for some of the losses incurred in defending Tianlang Mountain and can greatly enhance the equipment level of the family's core forces.

“Mo Lan.” Fu Changsheng looked at Mo Lan, who was in charge of internal affairs and personnel.

Mo Lan immediately understood, stepped forward, and also held a list in her hand:
“Returning home, Master, in this defense of Tianlang Mountain, our Fu family suffered 37 dead and over 100 wounded, mostly Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples. Eleven guest cultivators were killed and 28 were wounded. About 30% of the mountain gate buildings were damaged. The core of the mountain protection array was undamaged, but many array bases and array flags need to be repaired or replaced.”

Upon hearing the specific casualty figures, the atmosphere in the hall grew slightly more somber. These were all vibrant lives, the cornerstone of the family.

Fu Changsheng was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice:
"All those who died in battle will receive double the compensation, their immediate family members will be supported by their families, and those with cultivation aptitude will be given priority for training. The wounded will receive full medical treatment, and all participants will be rewarded according to their merits. Those who have made outstanding contributions may be given magical artifacts and elixirs captured in this battle."

"Yes, Patriarch!" Mo Lan bowed and accepted the order.

"Qingru, how long will it take to repair the formation?" Fu Changsheng asked Qingru, an elder of the Formation Hall.

Qingru had already calculated it and immediately replied:

"My lord, if the materials are sufficient, the Array Hall will do its best to repair it. It is estimated that it will take ten days to restore 70% of the power of the great array. If it is to be fully restored or even strengthened, it will take at least a month."

"Prioritize repairing the defensive functions. Obtain materials from the spoils and the family treasury. Complete this as soon as possible," Fu Changsheng ordered.

"Yes, husband!"

After arranging these follow-up matters, Fu Changsheng's gaze swept over everyone again, and his tone became serious:
"Although we won this battle, the crisis is not over. Although the main force of the Vermilion Bird Tribe was severely damaged and Chief Chi Liao was seriously injured and fled, the tribe's foundation is still intact, and it has close ties with the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court. Given its vengeful nature, it will never let this go."

Everyone looked stern.

The slight relief brought on by the victory and the gains vanished in an instant.

Su Wan said in a low voice:
"The patriarch is absolutely right. Chi Liao has suffered a crushing defeat, losing all face and greatly weakening the tribe. He might very well take a desperate gamble and seek aid from the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court. If the Royal Court intervenes, they might send a Nascent Soul True Monarch..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but everyone understood what she meant.

A Nascent Soul True Monarch is a being who truly stands at the pinnacle of the Eastern Wilderness, and cannot be easily contended with by relying on formations or external forces.

Chen Feng clenched his fists, his fleshy face twitching:

"What are we afraid of! We'll meet force with force! With Tianlang Mountain as our base and the patriarch in charge, even if a Nascent Soul cultivator comes, we'll knock out a few of his teeth!"

The Heavenly Sound Fairy coldly declared, "The only option is to fight to the death."

Fu Changsheng observed everyone's reactions and calmly said:
"We must consider defeat before victory. Tianlang Mountain is our foundation and cannot be lost, but we cannot place all our hopes on the defense of one place."

Fu Changsheng's gaze swept over everyone in the hall, steer the conversation toward the next step:
"Now that the Luo family's main force has been wiped out, the two key locations they left behind, Tianyin Mountain and the Luo family's stronghold, are now ownerless. What do you all think our Fu family should do next?"

Chen Feng spoke first, his voice loud and clear:

"Patriarch, is there even a choice? Of course, we should attack the Luo family's stronghold first! We just went through a major battle, and although we won, we were also somewhat weakened. The Luo family's stronghold is relatively poorly defended, so we can take it while we're ahead. This will not only replenish our resources but also give the brothers a chance to catch their breath!"

The Heavenly Sound Fairy nodded slightly:
"Judging from the spoils, the main force of the Vermilion Bird tribe probably only carried a portion of the supplies. The Luo family's stronghold has been operating for hundreds of years, and its reserves should be much richer. If we can take it, it will greatly benefit the development of my Fu family."

However, Su Wan frowned slightly, stepped forward, and spoke in a clear and calm voice:
"Patriarch, elders, I have the latest intelligence regarding Tianyin Mountain and the Luo family's stronghold. I would like to inform you all before making a decision."

All eyes immediately turned to Su Wan.

“Based on our spies and extensive inquiries,” Su Wan said gravely, “the situation at Tianyin Mountain is far more complex and dangerous than we had anticipated.”

"Why did the main force of the Luo family suffer a complete annihilation within Tianyin Mountain despite having the upper hand? The fundamental reason lies in the fact that the Tianyin tribe secretly modified an inner-layered magic array at the core of its ancestral land. This array is extremely well-hidden, yet its power is terrifyingly immense. Based on the remaining fluctuations and scattered information, it can be inferred that when fully activated, it is capable of unleashing the destructive power of a Nascent Soul cultivator! Luo Tianyue and other Golden Core cultivators were caught off guard and severely injured or even killed by this array."

"A Nascent Soul level formation?" Chen Feng gasped, his relaxed expression vanishing instantly. The difference between Nascent Soul and Golden Core was like heaven and earth; formations involving Nascent Soul power were by no means ordinary.

Su Wan continued:
"Moreover, after capturing Tianyin Mountain, the Vermilion Bird Tribe did not withdraw. They left behind several late-stage Golden Core cultivators, led by Elder Chiwu, to guard the area. On one hand, this was to suppress the remaining forces of the Tianyin Tribe and consolidate their gains. On the other hand, it was probably also to control that dangerous inner formation. This means that in attacking Tianyin Mountain, we will not only have to face several late-stage Golden Core cultivators, but we may also have to confront that terrifying killing formation with Nascent Soul power."

There was silence in the hall for a moment.

With several late-stage Golden Core cultivators and the potential presence of a Nascent Soul level killing formation, this power was enough to make any Golden Core force hesitate. Even with great confidence in Fu Changsheng, everyone couldn't help but feel immense pressure.

"On the other hand, regarding the Luo family's stronghold," Su Wan changed the subject, "according to intelligence, the Vermilion Bird Tribe has only left two mid-stage Golden Core cultivators to guard the central array, supplemented by some low-level cultivators to maintain its operation. Although its protective array has been modified and controlled by the Vermilion Bird Tribe, the array itself is not special, and its strength is similar to the Luo family's array before the modification. With the current strength of our Fu family, taking over the Luo family's stronghold is indeed highly feasible, and the risks are controllable."

The situation is now clear.

On one side is Tianyin Mountain, which is extremely risky and may contain Nascent Soul level killing formations and be guarded by several late-stage Golden Core cultivators. However, if it can be captured, it will be of great strategic significance, and the Fu family will become the true overlord on the edge of the Eastern Wilderness.

On the other side is the Luo family's stronghold, which is relatively easy to conquer and rich in resources. It can steadily enhance the family's strength, but its strategic value is slightly inferior.

A choice was placed before Fu Changsheng.

Chen Feng stroked his chin and smacked his lips:
"Hearing this, Tianyin Mountain is practically a hedgehog, not easy to bite... How about we start by picking on the weaker one?"

Just as everyone was weighing the pros and cons, Liu Meizhen spoke up:

"My lord, elders, I believe that we should not attack these two places for the time being."

Upon hearing this, even Su Wan, who was deep in thought, looked at her with slight surprise. Chen Feng went even further and asked directly:
"Mistress, why is this? The Luo family's stronghold is within our grasp; are we really going to let it go?"

Liu Meizhen bowed slightly to Fu Changsheng and the others, and calmly explained the reason:
"First, regarding the Luo family's stronghold. Our intelligence indicates that the Luo family was not completely wiped out. Elder Haitang and Yongxuan are still alive, and the young patriarch Luo Hao has also been confirmed to have escaped through a secret teleportation array. More importantly, the Luo family's foundation within the Great Zhou territory has not been damaged."

Her gaze swept over the crowd, her tone carrying a hint of solemnity:

"Do you all still remember when the sects from the far west launched a surprise attack on Huizhou Prefecture's Huiyang County, and the situation was extremely precarious? It was the Luo family that sent a helping hand several times, helping us stabilize our position. This was a timely act of kindness. Now that the Luo family has suffered such a great calamity, with their stronghold in the Eastern Wilderness being seized by the Vermilion Bird Tribe, if we take advantage of their weakness and seize it... how would outsiders see this as taking advantage of their misfortune? How would my Fu family conduct itself in the Eastern Wilderness and in the Great Zhou Dynasty in the future? Once we are branded as 'unrighteous and immoral,' we risk losing the hearts of the people and also chilling the hearts of those forces that are on good terms with us."

In my humble opinion...

We should not only refrain from taking the Luo family's stronghold in the Eastern Wilderness, but also lend Elder Haitang and the others a helping hand at the right time to help the Luo family reclaim their foundation.

In this way, we can both preserve our past friendship and make the Luo family owe us an even greater favor, giving us a strong and reliable ally in the Eastern Wilderness. This is far more worthwhile than us personally occupying that enclave and having to face the dissatisfaction of the Luo family's main branch in the Great Zhou Dynasty and external criticism.”

Everyone in the hall, including Chen Feng who had originally advocated for capturing the stronghold, fell into deep thought.

Liu Meizhen's analysis from the perspectives of morality and long-term interests was indeed insightful. Although strength is paramount in the cultivation world, reputation and integrity are equally important, especially for families aiming for long-term development.

Liu Meizhen paused for a moment, then continued her analysis of Tianyin Mountain:

"As for Tianyin Mountain... Elder Su Wan has already explained its dangers."

The inner formation is at the Nascent Soul level, guarded by several late-stage Golden Core cultivators. We currently know very little about its inner formation, and have no reliable way to break it. If we were to force an attack, even if successful, we would inevitably suffer heavy losses, and it might even shake the foundation of my Fu family.

At that time, we will be severely weakened, occupying a dangerous location, and become the target of everyone's attacks. This would be a losing proposition.

Finally, she looked at Fu Changsheng, her tone turning serious:
"Furthermore, my lord, elders, never forget the greatest threat—the Vermilion Bird Tribe and the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court behind it."

Chief Chi Liao, severely wounded and defeated, will certainly not let this go unpunished, given his character and the interests of his tribe. He will likely go to the royal court for help.

The retaliation of one or even several Nascent Soul True Monarchs is no exaggeration. The most urgent task is not outward expansion, but rather to use this opportunity to strengthen the defenses of Tianlang Mountain, digest our gains, and enhance our own strength to prepare for the impending storm. Only with a solid foundation can we discuss anything else.

Liu Meizhen's words were clear, logical, and reasonable. They considered morality and human relationships, weighed the pros and cons, and focused on the most pressing threat to the family. After she finished speaking, she stood quietly, awaiting Fu Changsheng's decision.

Fu Changsheng did not immediately express his opinion, but slowly raised his hand, his fingertips shimmering with spiritual light, and cast several spells in succession.

"Buzz—" "Buzz—" "Buzz—"

Around the council hall, the previously concealed array patterns lit up layer by layer, their light flowing and forming several powerful isolation barriers, completely cutting off internal and external sounds and divine sense probes. This indicated that what Fu Changsheng was about to say was of great importance.

After ensuring everything was in perfect order, Fu Changsheng's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Liu Meizhen, and he slowly spoke:
“What Meizhen said is mature and prudent, and it is reasonable and appropriate.”

He then changed the subject, his voice low but carrying an undeniable determination: "However, I must take Tianyin Mountain."

Deep within Tianyin Mountain lies an ancient teleportation array that leads to... the South China Sea.

That's a legendary land of abundant resources, far surpassing even the edge of the Eastern Wilderness!
By opening up the South China Sea, the Fu family will have a crucial escape route and a path to development! Resource acquisition will no longer be limited to just one corner of the Eastern Wilderness!
Also.

When he arrived in the South China Sea, he was able to find Hongyu and reunite with her.

Therefore, Tianyin Mountain must be taken.

It's not just for strategic locations, but also for the future of the family.

but.

The South China Sea teleportation array is a secret.

It cannot be said openly.

"I will inform you of the specific reasons when the time is right."

Fu Changsheng turned his gaze to the Heavenly Sound Fairy, who stood quietly to the side, her aura icy cold.

"Tianyin."

The Celestial Fairy stepped forward, responding with a cool and aloof demeanor:

"exist."

"You've studied the protective array of Tianyin Mountain for many years. If I can forcibly tear open its array barrier for a moment with a 'Boundary-Breaking Talisman,' do you have a way to temporarily suppress or guide the power of the Nascent Soul-level killing array within, buying us time to break the array?" Fu Changsheng asked the crucial question directly. A brute force attack was not advisable; a strategy was necessary.

Without hesitation, the Heavenly Sound Fairy's icy voice rang out with absolute confidence: "Agreed."

She raised her hand and used her spiritual power to draw a simplified diagram of the protective array of Tianyin Mountain in the air, pointing to one of the dark nodes:
"Although this formation is powerful, it is particularly focused on killing, but excessive rigidity makes it prone to breakage. The location of its 'Death Gate' is also where life force lurks. If we use a Boundary-Breaking Talisman to precisely tear apart the Death Gate barrier, and take advantage of the moment when the old and new forces are exchanging and the formation instinctively gathers all its power to repair and compensate for the damage..."

She moved her fingers, and several new array patterns merged into the area around that node:
"I can set up the 'Heaven-Stealing and Sun-Changing Guiding Array' in advance. This array is not for defense, but for guiding, deflecting, and temporarily storing energy. At that time, most of the immense killing power gathered by the Tianyin Mountain Grand Array will be guided by this array to the pre-set 'virtual array eye' for temporary storage and dissipation. It is estimated that this can buy us about half a cup of tea's worth of peace time."

Half a cup of tea!
It may sound brief, but for a high-level cultivator, it's enough time to accomplish a great deal!

Especially if the target is clear and directly points to the area where the core teleportation array is located!
A glint of light flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes:
"Half a cup of tea is enough! Tianyin, how long do you need to prepare this formation? Whom do you need to assist you?"

The Celestial Music Fairy did a quick calculation:

"The materials are complete, but it will take several months to refine the array base and array flags. Setting up the array requires the cooperation of at least three array masters, who will simultaneously activate the guiding array the moment the boundary-breaking talisman takes effect."

"Alright!" Fu Changsheng immediately gave the order, "Tianyin, you are in full charge of this matter! Qingru, Yongzhen, and Yaoyao, the three of you are all masters of formations, so you should do your best to assist Tianyin in studying the methods of setting up formations. All necessary resources should be allocated with priority!"

Qingru, Yongzhen, and Yaoyao, who were called out, immediately stepped forward and bowed together with Fairy Tianyin:
"As ordered!"

Fu Changsheng's gaze swept over Su Wan, Chen Feng, Liu Meizhen, and the others:

"During this period, the rest of us should rest and recuperate, consolidate our cultivation, and familiarize ourselves with the newly acquired magic weapon. Once the 'Heaven-Stealing and Sun-Changing Guiding Array' is ready, it will be time for us to take down Tianyin Mountain in one fell swoop!"

He stood up, exuding an aura of immense confidence and power:
"Once we acquire Tianyin Mountain, it will form a strategic alliance with Tianlang Mountain, making it even more difficult for the Eastern Wilderness tribes to invade our territory! At that time, we will be able to attack or defend as needed. This will be the key battle for the rise of the Fu family!"

"Yes, Patriarch!" the crowd responded in unison, their eyes no longer showing any hesitation.

...

...

Outside Tianlang Mountain.

Two streaks of light descended with slight hesitation, revealing the figures of Clan Chief Shangguan and Clan Chief Cui.

The two gazed at the majestic and solemn Tianlang Mountain before them, which, though ravaged by war, appeared even more imposing. They felt the lingering sharp aura and faint scent of blood in the air, and their faces were filled with complex emotions.

Clan Chief Shangguan was dressed in a green robe, and his face still showed traces of his former handsomeness, but there was a hint of loneliness and hardship between his brows.

Looking at the mountain gate, he couldn't help but recall that more than a hundred years ago, he was the first to break through to the Purple Mansion, becoming famous throughout Huainan and hailed as the pride of heaven. At that time, Fu Changsheng was only half a step into the Purple Mansion.

But now... his opponent is a giant who can point his sword at the Nascent Soul stage and annihilate more than a dozen Golden Core cultivators with a flick of his wrist, while he himself is trapped in the Pseudo-Core stage, wasting his years and unable to glimpse the Great Dao of the Golden Core. The difference between them is beyond immeasurable.

The patriarch Cui, standing to the side, was also dressed in fine clothes, but the arrogance he once had as the head of the most prestigious family in Huainan had long since vanished, replaced by an indescribable sigh and lament.

He still remembered how glorious the Fu family was when they first arrived in Yunshan County, having just been promoted to a ninth-rank aristocratic family. His Cui family had never even taken this newly risen family seriously. Unexpectedly, in just a hundred years, the Fu family had risen like a comet, and now they were about to enter the ranks of fifth-rank aristocratic families, with strength far surpassing his Cui family, and their future was limitless.

This left him with mixed feelings of envy and admiration.

"Brother Shangguan, please." Chief Cui composed himself and gestured for Chief Shangguan to proceed, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible unease.

The clan chief Shangguan took a deep breath and nodded. The two walked together toward the mountain gate, announced their names and purpose to the disciples guarding the mountain, and adopted an extremely humble posture.

Before long, the two were led to a side hall to wait. The hall was elegantly furnished, with fragrant tea steaming in the air, but neither of them was in the mood to appreciate it, as they were both filled with unease.

A moment later, footsteps sounded, and Su Wan entered slowly. Although her face was still somewhat pale, her breathing was steady, and her demeanor was composed, exuding a natural air of elegance.

"Clan Chief Shangguan, Clan Chief Cui, it is a great honor to have you two come together. Please forgive us for not being able to greet you properly." Su Wan smiled slightly, her tone calm and revealing no emotion.

Shangguan and Cui quickly stood up, cupped their hands in greeting, and said respectfully, "Elder Su, you are too kind. We apologize for our presumptuous visit and for disturbing your peace and quiet."

Su Wan invited the two to sit down, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then waited for them to speak.

Clan Chief Shangguan and Clan Chief Cui exchanged a glance, both seeing the embarrassment and determination in each other's eyes. In the end, Clan Chief Shangguan steeled himself, rose, and bowed again, his tone filled with deep remorse:
"Elder Su, this time... the Vermilion Bird Tribe attacked with overwhelming force. My Shangguan family and Cui family... are too weak to provide timely assistance. We are truly terrified and uneasy. Today, we have come to apologize to Patriarch Fu and your esteemed family! Although we know this will not help, we must express our attitude and hope that your family will forgive us!"

Chief Cui quickly stood up and echoed, "That's right! The Fu family and we live next to each other and should be of one mind to resist external aggression. However, our two families are powerless and fearful of the ferocity of the Vermilion Bird Tribe, and have failed to stand up for us. We are truly ashamed! Please ask Elder Su to convey our apologies to us."

After they finished speaking, they both bowed deeply.

Looking at these two once powerful figures in Huainan Prefecture, now so humble and apologetic before her, Su Wan was filled with mixed emotions.

She naturally understood that, given the strength of these two families, forcing their way in against the all-out attack of the Vermilion Bird Tribe would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. Their choice to protect themselves, while seemingly lacking in loyalty, was understandable. However, the fact that they were now taking the initiative to apologize and adopting such a humble posture demonstrated the Fu family's current power, forcing them to treat them with caution and make every effort to maintain their relationship.

"You two clan leaders are too kind." Su Wan raised her hand to help, her tone still calm. "The Vermilion Bird Tribe came with great force and their strength was far inferior. You two clan leaders had to consider the survival of the clan and could not provide assistance. The patriarch and I can understand that. The Fu family will not blame you for this."

Upon hearing Su Wan's words, Shangguan and Cui secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but their posture remained respectful.

"Patriarch Fu and Elder Su are so magnanimous that we are ashamed," said Patriarch Shangguan gratefully. He then took out two gift lists from his sleeve and respectfully presented them. "This is a small token of our appreciation to express our apologies and to congratulate the Fu family on their great victory in this battle, which has made them a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Wilderness! We hope Elder Su will accept it with a smile."

Su Wan scanned the gift list with her divine sense. It listed a considerable amount of spirit stones and materials, which were quite valuable. For the Shangguan and Cui families now, this was a significant investment. She smiled slightly, did not refuse, and gestured to the servant beside her to accept them.

"You two clan leaders are too kind. The Fu family has always been friendly to its neighbors. In the future, on this edge of the Eastern Wilderness, we will need to support each other." Su Wan's words were both a reassurance and a reminder of the Fu family's current dominant position.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan and Cui understood even more, and replied in unison, "That's exactly right! That's exactly right! From now on, our two families will follow the lead of the Fu family!"

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the two tactfully got up to take their leave.

...

...

Tianyin Mountain, the temporary council hall of the Zhuque tribe.

The remaining elder, Chiwu, along with several other elders at the late Golden Core stage, clutched a blood-red jade slip that had just been transmitted through a tribal secret technique, their faces filled with absurdity and disbelief.

"Impossible...absolutely impossible!"

An elder with a fiery temper slammed his hand on the table, instantly turning the hard ironwood table into dust.
"The chieftain wields the 'Vermilion Bird Heaven-Burning Halberd' and can even briefly enter the Nascent Soul realm using the 'Nirvana Blood Burning Technique'! How could he possibly lose? And... and be completely wiped out?!"

His bloodshot eyes were fixed on the scout kneeling below, trembling all over, and his voice was like that of a wounded beast:

"Speak! Did the Fu family invite a Nascent Soul True Monarch from the Great Zhou Dynasty? Did they?!"

The scout was terrified, banging his head on the ground, his voice trembling with sobs:

"Elder, please be aware! I have confirmed this repeatedly. From beginning to end, only Fu Changsheng and his subordinate cultivators participated in this battle! There were no external aids, and no Nascent Soul True Monarchs appeared!"

"According to... according to the rogue cultivators who were lucky enough to witness the battle from afar, that Fu Changsheng... used a variety of methods. First, he used a strange sword formation to slaughter the Golden Core cultivators of my tribe and the Tianyin tribe cultivators who came. Later, he even used a dragon mount with incredible speed and profound talisman techniques to directly confront the chieftain's Nascent Soul power. In the end... he finally forced the chieftain to use a life-saving jade talisman to escape..."

"Fu Changsheng...did this all by himself?"

Elder Chiwu muttered to himself, his fingers gripping the jade slip so tightly they turned white. He knew Chief Chi Liao's strength better than the other elders; the Nascent Soul power he had briefly possessed was enough to sweep away any Golden Core cultivator!
But the result... was a crushing defeat and a desperate escape?
"Eighth level of Golden Core... How could someone at the eighth level of Golden Core be this strong?!" Another elder's voice was hoarse, his face filled with incomprehension. "This is simply illogical!"

Just then, Chief Tianyin, who had been silently listening, spoke up:

"Elders, please hear me out."

As far as I know, more than a decade ago, when Fu Changsheng was still in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, he single-handedly defeated nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators in the far west, shocking the surrounding regions.

He paused, noticing the sudden change in the expressions of the Vermilion Bird Elders, and continued:
"Now, more than a decade has passed, and his cultivation has reached the eighth level of the Golden Core stage. His strength has increased far beyond our imagination. Given the heaven-defying combat power and growth rate he has shown, perhaps only a true Nascent Soul True Monarch can ensure his complete annihilation."

These words struck the hearts of the Vermilion Bird Elders like a heavy hammer.

Yes, how could they forget Fu Changsheng's terrifying record of victories!

This child cannot be judged by ordinary standards!
Elder Chiwu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, a ruthless and resolute glint flashing in his eyes:

"This child must not be allowed to live! If he is allowed to grow up, he will surely become a major threat to the hundred tribes of the Eastern Wilderness! The chieftain must also think so, otherwise he would never have insisted on going to the royal court despite being seriously injured!"

He looked around at the crowd, his voice suddenly rising, filled with an almost fanatical conviction:

"Everyone! Do not be discouraged! The chieftain has personally gone to the royal court to seek help! With the connections of my Vermilion Bird tribe in the royal court, and the enormous threat that Fu Changsheng poses to our Eastern Wilderness, the royal court will never sit idly by! A Nascent Soul True Monarch... will arrive soon!"

The thought that the Nascent Soul True Monarch of the royal court was about to make a move instantly replaced the despair and fear that filled the hall with a fervent desire for revenge.

"Yes! Please, True Lord, take action, crush Fu Changsheng, and flatten Tianlang Mountain!"

"Avenge our warriors!"

"Haha, Fu Changsheng's death is near!"

In an instant, his discouragement vanished, replaced by a surge of excitement and anticipation at the prospect of avenging his great humiliation.

...

...

Chief Tianyin returned to his secret chamber with a solemn expression, followed closely by the tribe's chief elder.

Upon entering the secret chamber, Chief Tianyin immediately activated all the isolation barriers, his face devoid of the composure he had feigned in the council hall, revealing only an unyielding worry.

The Grand Elder, seeing this, was puzzled:

"Chief, why are you still so worried? As soon as the Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court arrives, even if Fu Changsheng has three heads and six arms, he will not escape death! The siege of Tianyin Mountain will be lifted!"

Chief Tianyin slowly shook his head, his voice low and deep:
"Elder, have you forgotten the speculation I mentioned to you before? Throughout the entire Tiannan Continent, the Nascent Soul level combat forces have been unusually quiet in recent decades, rarely showing their faces, as if they are secretly preparing something. I have an ominous premonition, it seems... a huge calamity affecting all living beings is brewing."

He walked to the window, looked at the main passage guarded by the Vermilion Bird Tribe cultivators, and continued:
"If a great calamity is truly imminent, then all human cultivators should be on the same side. Every additional high-level cultivator, especially one with limitless potential like Fu Changsheng, is a strength for humanity as a whole. Under such circumstances, would the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court really send a Nascent Soul True Monarch to stifle a human genius just because of the Vermilion Bird Tribe's personal grudge? I fear that Chi Liao's trip will most likely end in failure."

The elder frowned, feeling that the chief was thinking too far ahead:

"Chief, you are worrying too much. The world is at peace right now, and there are no signs of any disaster. The Royal Court maintains order in the Eastern Wilderness, and the Vermilion Bird Tribe, as its subordinate force, has suffered a heavy blow. It is only right and proper for the Royal Court to step in."

"I dare not gamble!"

Chief Tianyin suddenly turned around:

"Elder, do you think Fu Changsheng's rise to power can be so easily suppressed? He can fight against a Nascent Soul cultivator at the eighth level of the Golden Core stage. Such a person, with his good fortune, is not so easy to perish. I have a feeling that we cannot defend Tianyin Mountain! The Vermilion Bird Tribe is now struggling to protect itself and cannot be relied upon at all!"

He lowered his voice, a hint of resentment in it:
"Moreover, look at the behavior of the Vermilion Bird Tribe after they moved in! Have they ever truly respected us? They covet our Tianyin Mountain foundation, and their desire to annex it is blatantly obvious! Rather than waiting until we are completely devoured by them, or until Fu Changsheng breaches our mountain gate and we are all destroyed, it would be better for us to voluntarily abandon this ancestral foundation, preserve our roots, and seek another way to survive!"

"Chief! This...this is our ancestral land that we have protected for generations!"

The elder looked pained and extremely reluctant.

"Is the ancestral land more important, or the lives and heritage of our people?"

Chief Tianyin's tone was heavy:

"Think of the Luo family, think of the Vermilion Bird Tribe cultivators who were just showing off in front of us, but are now dead! Elder, the cultivation world is cruel, only the living have a future! I have already secretly transferred the tribe's elite disciples and some core inheritances to that secret stronghold."

He took a deep breath and said resolutely:

"Go immediately and summon those absolutely reliable trusted elders. Bring over the last batch of rare resources and heirlooms that we have secretly collected and hidden over the years. While the Vermilion Bird tribe is still indulging in the dream of waiting for the royal court's reinforcements, let's leave through the secret passage immediately!"

Looking at the chieftain's firm and resolute gaze, and recalling the Vermilion Bird Tribe's recent arrogance and the terrifying pressure brought by Fu Changsheng, the elder finally sighed heavily. A struggle flashed across his face, but it ultimately turned into a resolute expression:
"I understand, Chief! I'll take care of it right away!"

After saying this, the Grand Elder hurriedly left, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the secret passage.

Chief Tianyin stood alone in the secret chamber, taking one last look at the familiar scene outside the window. A trace of longing and pain flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute will to survive.

A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. In this era of impending chaos, survival is the greatest responsibility we can take to our ancestors' legacy.

...

...

Inside Fu Changsheng's private cave dwelling on Tianlang Mountain.

Ouyang Fei stood solemnly, not daring to be presumptuous despite being an elder.

The listlessness he had previously displayed due to his severe injuries had vanished, replaced by a profound, weighty, and subtly sharp aura. His blood and energy were abundant, and his spiritual power flowed smoothly and effortlessly, even more refined and concentrated than before his injury. The barriers that had been blocked by his old wounds were also subtly loosening.
"Chang Sheng, we owe this all to your Dragon Blood Holy Spring."

"Uncle Fei, you flatter me. You were injured for the sake of the family, which is Changsheng's duty. Judging from your aura, not only have your injuries healed, but your foundation seems to have also improved. This is truly a fortunate thing."

Fu Changsheng changed the subject, his gaze falling on Ouyang Fei:
“Uncle Fei, you possess the body of ten thousand poisons, a gift of extraordinary talent, and you are single-mindedly devoted to killing. This path is indeed in line with your constitution and nature.”

The words paused.

He simply flipped his wrist.

A strange point of light, neither gold nor jade, irregularly shaped, exuding an aura of iron-blooded slaughter, and seemingly containing countless tiny phantoms of soldiers endlessly waging war, slowly emerged.

"This item is called the [War Soul Seed of War]."

"It is formed from a fragment of the immortal battle spirit of an ancient war god, and it is a perfect match for the path you cultivate. Today, I will help you refine and fuse it."

Ouyang Fei sensed the immense battle intent and murderous aura contained within the magic seed, and his heart was filled with excitement, knowing full well how precious this item was:

"Immortality, this item is far too precious..."

Fu Changsheng waved his hand to interrupt: "Uncle Fei, the family is in dire need of manpower. Your improvement in strength is the greatest contribution to the family. Please do not refuse."

“Very well!” Ouyang Fei was not one to be pretentious, and nodded emphatically. “In that case, I will accept your offer with my humble opinion!”

"Concentrate your mind and focus your energy." Fu Changsheng said no more and gestured for Ouyang Fei to sit down cross-legged.

Once Ouyang Fei had regained his composure, Fu Changsheng flicked his finger, and the [War Soul Seed] transformed into a stream of light, instantly disappearing into Ouyang Fei's ancestral aperture between his eyebrows.

"boom--!"

Ouyang Fei felt a tremendous tremor in his sea of ​​consciousness, as if thousands of golden spears and iron horses were rushing in. The boundless fighting spirit, killing aura, and sharp sounds of weapons almost overwhelmed his consciousness.

He groaned, his face flushing crimson, veins bulging, and his body trembling slightly, as if he were enduring immense pain. The previously restrained aura of poison around him was stimulated and involuntarily spread out, intertwining with the murderous aura of weapons and emitting a hissing sound.

Fu Changsheng was prepared.

With his hands forming a hand seal, streams of pure and gentle chaotic spiritual energy flowed into Ouyang Fei's body, protecting his heart meridian and the core of his soul. At the same time, he guided the violent battle spirit power to slowly merge with Ouyang Fei's Ten Thousand Poisons Body and his own Dao foundation.

Inside the cave.

A murderous aura surged, and phantom images of weapons appeared and disappeared. Dark green poisonous mist and crimson battle intent intertwined, collided, and gradually reached a balance. Ouyang Fei's body became the battlefield and the furnace for the fusion of these two powerful forces.

I do not know how long it has been.

A slight "crack" sound seemed to come from inside Ouyang Fei's body, as if some kind of shackle had been broken.

In an instant, his aura surged!
A far more powerful and intense aura than before surged into the sky, causing the restrictions within the cave to ripple. The dark red battle intent and the dark green poison gas blended perfectly, vaguely coalescing behind him into a blurry phantom figure wielding a weapon and surrounded by poisonous dragons!

Late stage of Golden Elixir!

It's a matter of course!

Ouyang Fei suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light, a fighting spirit that seemed almost tangible and a hint of deep venom flashing in his eyes.

He felt the surging, unprecedented power within his body, the profound cultivation technique called "The Art of War" (Battle Technique) that had appeared in his mind, and a clear understanding of the various characteristics of the "War Soul Seed." An overwhelming excitement welled up within him.

He stood up and bowed deeply to Fu Changsheng once again:
"I will never forget your kindness in helping me achieve immortality! I, Ouyang Fei, will dedicate my life to helping my family overcome all obstacles, even at the cost of my life!"

Fu Changsheng nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the momentum he had after his breakthrough.

A being with the Ten Thousand Poisons Body who has fused with the [War Soul Seed] and broken through to the late Golden Core stage is likely to have combat power comparable to an ordinary peak Golden Core cultivator.

"Uncle Fei, you flatter me. Congratulations on your breakthrough." Fu Changsheng replied with a smile. "You still need to stabilize your realm and familiarize yourself with the power of the Dharma Seed. Before long, there may be a time when your sharp sword will be needed."

Ouyang Fei clasped his hands in a deep fist salute, his eyes burning with fighting spirit: "Ready to serve at any time!"

(End of this chapter)