Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 634 Both Breakthrough, New Function, Advancement to Fifth Rank!

Several days later, at the gate of Shuangyue Palace.

A staggering stray beam of light stumbled into the protective array, and it was none other than the senior sister who had been "carefully dealt with" by Fu Changsheng.

Her face was ashen, her breath was extremely weak, and her body bore obvious marks of fierce fighting, especially a charred lightning strike mark on her chest, which was shocking and clearly indicated that she was seriously injured and on the verge of death.

As soon as she entered the mountain gate, she could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground. The disciples on duty hurriedly carried her to the main hall.

The newly appointed palace master sat upright, looking at the senior sister who was being carried in, his brows furrowed.

"What exactly happened? Uncle-Master Xuanbing and Master Wuchen... why are they..."

The eldest sister coughed a few times, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with deep-seated hatred. Following Fu Changsheng's instructions, she wove a lie:

"It's...it's the Crown Prince's palace! They're from the Crown Prince's descendants!"

"They...they disguised themselves as Fu Changsheng and ambushed Master Xuanbing at Wanxue Mountain, and then intercepted and killed Master Wuchen at Chunmen Mountain! They are powerful and ruthless, clearly having planned this for a long time! If it weren't for Master Xuanbing protecting me at the critical moment, I would have been dead long ago."

"Palace Master! They're trying to frame the Ninth Prince to win over our Twin Moon Palace!"

There was dead silence in the hall.

All the elders and disciples who heard the news were filled with horror and anger.

The palace master listened quietly, her face expressionless. She did not completely believe her senior sister's one-sided account; there were many suspicious points in the matter.

Fu Changsheng? The Crown Prince?

It's hard to tell the truth from the fake.

But one thing is certain.

The Twin Moon Palace has lost two Nascent Soul pillars in a single day, and is already on the verge of collapse!

now.

Regardless of the truth, impulsive revenge will only lead the sect into an abyss of no return.

She slowly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her eyes were filled with a resolute calm.

"Issue my order!"

"Effective immediately, the Twin Moon Palace is to close its gates. All disciples are forbidden from leaving the palace. All matters outside the palace will be temporarily suspended!"

Her gaze swept over the crowd below, finally settling on the senior sister:

"Senior Sister Xuanji's injuries are severe and she needs to rest and recuperate. Sect resources will be provided to her with priority."

Immediately, she stood up, and a powerful aura rose from her body:

"I will immediately go into seclusion and will not emerge until I have formed my Nascent Soul! During this period, all matters concerning the sect, both internal and external, will be decided by the Grand Elder, with stability as the priority, and no unauthorized actions are permitted!"

...

...

System training room.

Fu Changsheng uncorked the cold jade bottle and drank the "Ten Thousand Year Heavenly Jade Liquid" in one gulp.

The elixir entered my throat.

It did not cause any impact; instead, like a gentle spring rain, it silently seeped into the limbs and bones, eventually flowing into the dantian.

He immediately activated the "Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique".

The energy cultivation method circulated throughout the body at a smooth and free speed.

The vast and pure spiritual energy was rapidly refined and absorbed by the cultivation technique, flowing like rivers into the sea, continuously pouring into the golden lotus in the center of the dantian, which had already sprouted eight emerald leaves.

The whole process went smoothly without any obstacles.

Nourished by such pure and abundant energy, the golden lotus swayed gently, its petals shimmering with azure light, appearing even more vibrant and full of Daoist charm.

In the center of the lotus platform, the perfectly round golden elixir spun rapidly, its surface radiant and its inner essence constantly condensing and enhancing.

I do not know how long it has been.

It felt like a fleeting moment, yet also like a long period of reflection.

Inside Fu Changsheng's dantian, beside the eighth leaf of the Golden Lotus, a new bud quietly emerged, and then unfolded at a speed visible to the naked eye, glowing with azure light, with Dao patterns appearing on its own!
The ninth leaf!
The moment the ninth leaf fully takes shape, forming a perfectly harmonious whole with the other eight—

hum!
Fu Changsheng's aura surged upwards, as if he had broken through an invisible gate and stepped into a much wider world! The golden core in his dantian became more solid, its size seemingly increasing slightly, and the magical power it emitted was more than twice as strong as before!
Nine levels of Golden Core!

He slowly opened his eyes, a flash of blue light appearing briefly in them. Feeling the surging, refined, and condensed internal energy within him, a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

We are one step closer to the Nascent Soul Path.

A thought.

Exit the practice room.

Only a year and a half had passed outside.

"We need to find the location of the intelligence headquarters established by the Crown Prince's grandson as soon as possible."

Fu Changsheng's thoughts sank into his sea of ​​consciousness.

The ancient panel had been completely renovated, and the flowing golden light was even more profound and mysterious. Many of the unactivated options were still shrouded in mystery.

But it's at the very bottom of the panel.

A brand new icon, radiating a unique glow, has been lit up.

The ancient seal script characters on it are clearly visible—[Heavenly Secrets Deduction].

at the same time.

A stream of information flooded into Fu Changsheng's consciousness:

[Celestial Deduction]: Consumes a large amount of contribution points to perform in-depth deductions on specific targets, events, or locations, clearing away the fog and revealing a glimpse of celestial secrets. The accuracy of the deduction is directly proportional to the contribution points consumed; the higher the level of the target and the more complex the causal relationship, the greater the consumption. A certain amount of time must pass between uses before it can be used again.

“Heavenly divination…” A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng’s eyes.

This feature came at just the right time!
Finding the extremely secretive Crown Prince's intelligence headquarters is difficult to achieve with conventional methods, but this method may be successful!

He tried to focus his mind on the location of the "Headquarters of Intelligence for the Crown Prince and His Descendants".

A prompt immediately appeared on the panel:
[Target of the simulation: Precise coordinates and internal defenses of the intelligence headquarters of the Crown Prince's descendants]

[Estimated contribution points consumed: 80,000]

[Is the simulation confirmed?]

80,000 points!
Fu Changsheng was slightly shocked; the consumption was indeed enormous!
His accumulated contribution points have barely exceeded 100,000, and now more than half of them will be taken away.

However, considering that this matter concerns the life of his grandson Zhou Jin, as well as the subsequent acquisition of Yun Qingyu, this expense must be borne!
"Analysis confirmed!"

The instant the command is issued.

The panel glowed brightly.

Those 80,000 contribution points were deducted like a flood.

The entire panel seemed to transform into the cosmos, with countless star trails intertwining and colliding, creating endless changes. In the end, all the starlight converged into a single point, transforming into a clear message that was imprinted in Fu Changsheng's sea of ​​consciousness.

"So it was hidden here..."

Fu Changsheng's lips curled into a cold smile.

...

...

In the capital, in the secret chamber of the Ninth Prince's Mansion.

The array of light barriers separated the inside from the outside, and Fu Changsheng and the Ninth Prince sat facing each other.

When Fu Changsheng recounted the precise coordinates of the Crown Prince's intelligence headquarters, its internal defenses, and even the location of the Soul-Devouring Beast.

The Ninth Prince's face lit up with barely suppressed ecstasy!
He used the power of the Prince's Mansion and the Princess's Mansion to secretly search for a hidden place that had been missing for nearly two years, only to have Fu Changsheng discover it so clearly!
Such methods are simply unfathomable!
"Fellow Daoist... no, Brother Fu! This information is an immense favor to both me and Jin'er!"

"Your Highness is too kind. However, we must be cautious in this matter. This information must not be revealed as being provided by me. I will not be involved in any subsequent actions."

Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince immediately understood Fu Changsheng's concerns.

The Fu family is, after all, a sixth-rank aristocratic family. If they were to directly get involved in the struggle for the throne between the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess, especially by destroying the other side's important stronghold in such a fierce manner, the Crown Prince, who is far away in the Xuanling Realm, would certainly not let the matter rest once he returned.

It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. At that time, the Fu family may face annihilation.

"Don't worry, Brother Fu!"

"This matter is known only to Heaven, Earth, you, and me! I will absolutely not involve Brother Fu. All operations will be handled by my and my mother's men, and have nothing to do with Brother Fu!"

Seeing that the Ninth Prince was so understanding, Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, then added seemingly casually:
"Besides Yun Qingyu's whereabouts, there is another small matter that may require your trouble, Your Highness."

"Brother Fu, please speak freely!"

"I've heard that the Princess's residence possesses a fragment of a 'star-gazing mirror' from a previous dynasty. I have some interest in antiques. If it's convenient for Your Highness to visit the residence, could you please keep an eye out and see if I could have a look?"

The Ninth Prince was slightly taken aback. A fragment of the Star Gazing Mirror?
He vaguely remembered this item; it seemed to be an antique from his mother's collection, supposedly related to divination techniques.

“This is easy!” Prince Jiu readily agreed. “Once this matter is settled, I will mention it to my mother. I’m sure she won’t be stingy with a single fragment. I will certainly retrieve it for Brother Fu then.”

"Then thank you very much, Your Highness." Fu Changsheng bowed and thanked him, feeling reassured.

The fragments of the Star Gazing Mirror are related to the improvement of divination techniques. With this item, Fan Ge'er should be able to advance to the fourth-level divination master.

This way.

The next time the Mystic Realm opens.

Their Fu family is qualified to participate.

The Xuanling Realm is a realm with far more abundant resources than their Tiannan Continent.

This passage opens once every 60 years, offering countless opportunities.

The Fu family is now ready in every way, except for Yongfan, the last fourth-level master! Once Yongfan breaks through with the help of the Star Gazing Mirror fragments, the Fu family will be able to rightfully enter the ranks of fifth-grade families and obtain the ticket to the Xuanling Realm!

there.

Perhaps they have the opportunity to form an infant.

Also.

Upon arriving in the Xuanling Realm, he will be able to see his father again.

The two talked privately for a while, finalized some details, and then Fu Changsheng quietly left the palace.

……

After seeing Fu Changsheng off, the Ninth Prince paced alone in the secret room, repeatedly scrutinizing the information Fu Changsheng had provided. Once he confirmed it was accurate, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"Somebody come!"

A dark figure appeared silently in the corner of the secret room.

"Pass down the order: mobilize the elite 'Dark Phoenix Guards' and contact the two fifth-tier Grandmasters of Array Formations in the Princess's Residence. Three days from now, at midnight, the target—the abandoned dragon vein node beneath the Imperial City!"

"Yes!" The shadowy figure acknowledged the order and vanished instantly.

The Ninth Prince walked to the window, gazing towards the palace, his fist slowly clenching. This time, he was determined to sever this vital arm of the Crown Prince's faction, to save Jin'er's life, and to give his mother the upper hand in the upcoming struggle!
...

...

Several days later, late at night.

In the western part of the imperial city, next to a seemingly abandoned house and a dry well.

Several ghostly figures quietly converged.

Leading the group was the most capable commander of the Ninth Prince's secret guards, followed by several imposing infants and two fifth-order array masters sent by the Princess's residence.

"action!"

The commander of the secret guards gave the order.

Like sharp swords, the group plunged into the dry well, following the deep and winding passages, heading straight for the hidden headquarters built on the abandoned dragon vein node three thousand feet underground.

Because the intelligence was detailed.

They knew the internal defenses and even the location of that troublesome Soul-Devouring Beast.

The raid went exceptionally smoothly.

The Princess's faction, with overwhelming force, destroyed the array nodes, killed key personnel, and burned important documents. The captive Soul-Devouring Beast was subdued and sealed instantly by targeted methods before it even had a chance to unleash its power.

In less than an hour.

This intelligence headquarters, which was regarded as the eyes and ears of the Crown Prince's descendants, was reduced to ruins in a violent explosion and towering flames, and almost all of its core members were wiped out!
The news is out.

The entire capital was rife with undercurrents.

The Crown Prince was furious, but since the organization was established illegally, he could only swallow this bitter pill.

Prince Zhou Xuanyong immediately went to the palace to report to the eldest princess.

Upon hearing that the intelligence headquarters had been completely destroyed and the Crown Prince's faction had lost a powerful ally, the Eldest Princess was overjoyed. She praised the Ninth Prince generously and promised on the spot to immediately retrieve the drop of "Life Source Water" from the royal treasury and bestow it upon him.

Suppressing his excitement, the Ninth Prince kowtowed to express his gratitude and then took the opportunity to mention Fu Changsheng's request to see the fragments of the "Star Gazing Mirror".

The princess was in a very good mood at the moment, and since the fragment of the star-gazing mirror was not indispensable to her, she readily agreed.

"It's just a fragment of an ancient mirror. Since Yong'er has asked, take it. It'll just gather dust in the storeroom anyway." The princess casually instructed the eunuch to fetch the item.

The Ninth Prince was overjoyed and thanked him again.

...

...

The Ninth Prince's Mansion, a secret room.

Prince Zhou Xuanyong, unable to hide his excitement, solemnly pushed the two brocade boxes in front of Fu Changsheng. One box contained a jade bottle brimming with vitality, which was the "Source of Life Water"; the other box contained an ancient bronze fragment with star-like patterns on its surface, which was a fragment of the "Star Gazing Mirror".

"Brother Fu, I have fulfilled my mission!" The Ninth Prince's tone carried a hint of relief.

After checking and confirming that everything was correct, Fu Changsheng put away the two brocade boxes, feeling quite grateful.

“Your Highness, Jin’er’s illness is unusual. It requires the activation of the earth’s yin energy, supplemented by the life-giving water, to be cured. I have already selected a secluded place outside the city and set up the corresponding formation. You can take Jin’er there.”

The Ninth Prince had no suspicions, and felt somewhat ashamed when Yun Qingyu was mentioned:

“Brother Fu, my mother said that this jade was traded with the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court a hundred years ago. As for where it ended up, we don’t know. I’m really sorry.”

Yun Qingyu is not there.

That would prevent the establishment of a passage to the South China Sea.

It seems I can only try exchanging intelligence multiple times to see if I can refresh the information.

The Ninth Prince has done his best:
"Your Highness, the most urgent task is to cure Jin'er's illness."

"Yeah"

The Ninth Prince nodded repeatedly and immediately arranged for people to personally escort Zhou Jin, whose breath was becoming increasingly weak, onto the treasure ship. Under the escort of a team of elite guards, they quietly left the capital and arrived at a remote valley a hundred miles away.

...

...

Deep in the valley.

It had already been concealed by Fu Changsheng's numerous arrays.

He dismissed his attendants and led Zhou Jin alone into a makeshift cave dwelling.

Inside the cave.

Fu Changsheng did not activate any so-called "evil-drawing formation," but instead used his own pure magical power to protect Zhou Jin's heart meridian.

Immediately, my mind entered the Five Elements Space!

within the space.

The dragon blood tree sensed the aura of the life-giving water, and its branches and leaves moved swiftly without wind, radiating a wave of longing.

"Qiu Niang!"

"Master!" Qiu Niang appeared immediately.

"Use this life-source water as a catalyst to fully catalyze the Dragon Blood Tree and condense the Dragon Spring Holy Liquid!" Fu Changsheng handed the jade bottle containing the life-source water to Qiu Niang.

"Yes, Master!"

Qiu Niang accepted the jade bottle with a solemn expression.

She guided the incomparably pure life force of the life-giving water, sprinkling it like sweet rain onto the roots of the dragon blood tree.

At the same time, she mobilized the primordial power of the Five Elements Space, gathered the spiritual energy of the universe, and formed a huge spiritual energy vortex that enveloped the Dragon Blood Tree.

The dragon blood tree became even greener at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the dragon-shaped patterns on the trunk seemed to come alive, with faint sounds of dragon roars emanating from it.

Among the branches and leaves, droplets of liquid, radiating a seven-colored halo and containing a purer life force, began to slowly condense and drip down—this was the Dragon Spring Holy Liquid, whose effects surpassed even those of the Source Water of Life!

Fu Changsheng carefully channeled the newly formed Dragon Spring Holy Liquid into a jade bowl. Looking at the liquid in the bowl, which was rippling with seven-colored light and whose vitality was almost tangible, he felt reassured.

at the same time.

The consciousness panel trembled slightly.

A line of text appears:

Dragon Blood Tree: 2,500 years old (for medicinal use)

The Dragon Blood Tree is less than seven hundred years away from being fully grown; one more drop of Life Source Water will complete its ripening.

Mature dragon blood trees can produce dragon breath.

It can attract dragon-type monsters, and there is a certain probability that it can be subdued as a guardian spirit beast!

……

Consciousness withdrew from the Five Elements Space.

Fu Changsheng helped the unconscious Zhou Jin up and slowly fed her a bowl of Dragon Spring Holy Liquid.

The holy liquid enters the body.

It immediately transformed into the gentlest yet most powerful torrent of life, surging towards Zhou Jin's limbs and bones.

The deadly aura of the Soul-Eating Curse, which was like a leech clinging to the bone, was quickly dispelled and purified in the face of this power containing the very life essence of the dragon race, just like ice and snow melting away.

Zhou Jin's pale face regained its rosy color at a visible speed, his weak breathing became steady and powerful, the depleted vitality in his body was quickly replenished, and even his eroded spiritual root was revitalized under the nourishment of the Dragon Spring Holy Liquid!

In just a moment, Zhou Jin's eyelids twitched slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Feel the long-lost, surging vitality within my body.

Zhou Jin's eyes reddened:

"Grandfather! Your grandson... Your grandson thanks you for giving me life! I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

"Silly child, there's no need for thanks among family. Your recovery is the best outcome."

at this time.

Fluctuations emanated from the array outside the cave.

Clearly, the Ninth Prince, who had been waiting for a long time, noticed the commotion and couldn't wait to come in.

Fu Changsheng waved his sleeve and removed the restriction.

The stone door to the cave slowly opened.

When Prince Zhou Xuanyong saw the young man standing in the center of the cave, with a ruddy complexion, bright eyes, and radiating vitality, he froze on the spot, almost unable to believe his eyes!
Just a few hours ago.

Zhou Jin was still on the verge of death, his face ashen, as if he were about to burn out at any moment. But now... he was clearly a perfectly healthy young man! In fact, his aura, as if by some stroke of luck, seemed even more refined than before!
"Jin...Jin'er?! You...you're really healed?!"

The Ninth Prince's voice trembled as he rushed forward, grabbed Zhou Jin's arms tightly, and looked him up and down, his eyes filled with ecstasy and disbelief.

"Grand Uncle! I'm all better! I'm completely healed! It was my maternal grandfather who cured me!" Zhou Jin nodded vigorously, his face beaming with the radiance of new life and a bright smile.

The Ninth Prince abruptly turned to Fu Changsheng, bowed deeply, and spoke with utmost sincerity, even showing a hint of respect:

“Brother Fu! No, Mr. Fu! I cannot thank you enough! You are a miracle worker, with extraordinary abilities, who saved my nephew from certain death. I, Zhou Xuanyong, will never forget this kindness!”

At this moment, in his heart, Fu Changsheng's image had become increasingly unfathomable.

Even the Divine Doctor Valley was helpless against this incurable disease, yet he resolved it so "easily." The methods he employed were far from ordinary!
His admiration and desire to befriend Fu Changsheng reached their peak.

“Your Highness, there’s no need for such formalities. Jin’er is also my grandson, so it is my duty to treat him.”

...

...

Above the residence of the Ninth Prince.

The once clear sky suddenly darkened, and lead-gray tribulation clouds rapidly converged like a giant vortex. Muffled thunder rumbled in the clouds, and a destructive aura locked onto what lay below, enveloping the entire palace!

Streaks of silver lightning darted through the clouds, radiating a chilling aura.

"Golden Core Tribulation!"

"Who formed their Core in this mansion?"

An uproar immediately broke out inside the Prince's mansion.

The guards and retainers were all alarmed and looked up at the ever-lowering tribulation clouds, their faces showing surprise and uncertainty.

Yu Lian was talking to Fu Yongning in the courtyard when she sensed this familiar yet awe-inspiring divine power. She suddenly stood up and her gaze instantly fell on the core area locked by the aura of the lightning tribulation—the very courtyard where her husband, Fu Yongfan, was in seclusion!

"May prosperity continue..."

The couple had been separated for decades and endured many hardships before finally reuniting.

The two have not yet met.

Now my husband must resist this Golden Core Tribulation.

How could she not worry?

The Golden Core Tribulation is extremely dangerous, and countless exceptionally talented individuals have perished at this hurdle.

“Sister-in-law, my elder brother is a lucky man and will surely get through this ordeal.”

Since arriving in the capital, Fu Yongning has been forbidden from leaving the Prince's residence. Knowing that her father is busy working for Zhou Jin, she doesn't dare to cause trouble for the child, even though she has no feelings for him.

So for the past few years, he has stayed obediently in the Prince's Mansion.

at this time.

Two streaks of light sped down from the sky and landed in the courtyard.

It was Fu Changsheng and the Ninth Prince who had rushed back from outside the city.

"Father!" Yu Lian rushed forward as if she had found her pillar of support upon seeing Fu Changsheng. "It's Yongfan... he's forming his core! This tribulation lightning..."

Fu Changsheng looked up at the increasingly imposing tribulation clouds:
"There's no need to worry too much. Yongfan has a solid foundation, a resilient character, and is well-prepared. Besides..."

He pointed to the enormous light barrier surrounding the Prince's mansion, which was now being activated with all its might by the mansion's array masters, and continued:
“Look at the Nine-Turn Mystic Turtle Spirit Protection Array of the Ninth Prince’s Mansion. It is a genuine fifth-order defensive array. With the protection of this array, even the Nascent Soul lightning tribulation can be weakened by three or four parts, let alone the Golden Core tribulation. It is enough to ensure that he can pass through safely.”

The Ninth Prince also offered words of comfort:

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, I have ordered all the array masters in the manor to do their utmost to maintain the great array, and I will ensure that Yongfan is not lost."

Hearing her father-in-law and the Ninth Prince say this, and especially seeing the light shield that enveloped the entire palace and exuded a heavy and mysterious aura remain unmoved under the pressure of the lightning tribulation, Yu Lian's tense heartstrings finally relaxed a little.

boom--!
The first bolt of silver lightning, as thick as an arm, finally tore through the clouds, carrying overwhelming heavenly might, and struck fiercely towards the secluded courtyard where Fu Yongfan was in seclusion!
hum!
Almost simultaneously, the "Nine Revolutions Mystic Turtle Protecting Spirit Array" above the Prince's Mansion shone brightly, and a huge phantom of a mystic turtle appeared on the light shield, enduring the first lightning tribulation!
The lightning flashed, creating a terrifying spectacle.

However, the villa was protected by the great formation and only swayed slightly, without suffering any real damage.

See this scene.

Yu Lian finally breathed a long sigh of relief, and hope rekindled in her eyes. With such a powerful array protecting her, Yong Fan's chances of successfully overcoming the tribulation were undoubtedly much greater.

Rumble!
Although the subsequent tribulation lightning bolts were increasingly fierce, their color changing from silver-white to pale gold, and their power doubling, they were all weakened layer by layer by the solid Xuan Turtle Light Barrier. The power that actually struck Fu Yongfan's secluded courtyard was greatly reduced.

Inside the courtyard, Fu Yongfan sat cross-legged, his face solemn.

With his solid foundation and unwavering will, he guided the weakened power of thunder to temper himself, repeatedly refining the golden core in his dantian that was about to be fully formed.

at last.

The last bolt of dark golden lightning, carrying its remaining destructive power, crashed down.

A pure, powerful aura, far surpassing that of the False Core stage, suddenly shot into the sky from that courtyard!

The spiritual pressure of the Golden Core stage cultivator was no longer concealed and swept across all directions!
It worked!
Everyone watching from outside the mansion breathed a sigh of relief, and Yu Lian was so happy that she cried tears of joy, tightly grasping Fu Yongning's hand beside her.

The calamity clouds completely dissipated.

The heavens showered down a shower of sweet rain, imbued with pure vitality and the essence of Tao!

Inside the courtyard, Fu Yongfan's meridians, which had been somewhat damaged from withstanding the lightning tribulation, as well as some internal injuries, healed and recovered at a visible speed under the nourishment of this sweet rain, even becoming more resilient than before.

Within his dantian.

The newly formed golden core, bathed in the sweet rain and tempered by the last remaining thunder essence, not only became completely stable, but its surface also became more radiant, gradually showing a pure and flawless cyan luster. On the surface of the golden core, three incomparably clear cloud patterns slowly emerged and flowed, exuding a harmonious and profound Daoist charm!

He composed himself, stood up, and pushed open the gate to the courtyard.

"Husband!" Yu Lian was the first to rush forward, her eyes filled with tears, but they were tears of joy.

Fu Yongfan held his wife's hand, then looked at Fu Changsheng and bowed deeply.
"Father, I have lived up to your expectations! I have successfully formed my core, and... it is a third-grade golden core!"

"A Grade Three Golden Core?!"

Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince gasped, his gaze towards Fu Yongfan instantly becoming incredibly fervent. A cultivator at the third-grade Golden Core stage, barring premature death, has at least a 50% chance of condensing a Nascent Soul in the future!

This is a genius with limitless potential!

A relieved smile appeared on Fu Changsheng's face as he stepped forward to help his son up and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good! Good! Fan'er, you have indeed not disappointed your father! A third-grade Golden Core, the path to the Great Dao is within reach!"

Yongfan turned misfortune into blessing. Being trapped in the capital for decades tempered his character far beyond that of ordinary people. Now, he has accumulated his strength and unleashed it in one fell swoop, condensing a third-grade golden core. The Fu family will have another pillar supporting them in the future!

at the same time.

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

"Your family has gained a Golden Core cultivator and has been granted a special lottery draw opportunity. Would you like to redeem it?"

Fu Changsheng would naturally not redeem the lottery ticket under the nose of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion in the capital.

……

Several months passed.

Fu Yongfan's Golden Core realm stabilized.

Fu Changsheng brought Zhou Jin to Fu Yongfan's villa.

"Father, you came here to advance to the fifth rank of a noble family. I am ashamed to say that I am still a little short of advancing to the fourth rank of a divination master."

He had previously boasted arrogantly.

Once the Golden Core is formed.

This will allow you to advance your deduction skills to the fourth rank.

However, the difficulty of this divination technique was even greater than he had imagined, and he finally understood why the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion could occupy a high position in the imperial court.

"No rush. With this, your divination skills should be able to break through to the fourth level naturally."

talking.

Fu Changsheng took out a brocade box from his storage ring.

The moment the box lid was lifted.

A faint starlight flowed from the ancient bronze fragments, and the star patterns on the surface of the fragments appeared and disappeared in the night, as if they had some kind of mysterious resonance with the stars in the distant sky.

“Jin’er,” Fu Changsheng turned to Zhou Jin, “come, drip your essence blood onto the fragment.”

Without hesitation, Zhou Jin forced out a drop of crimson blood essence, which fell into the center of the Star Gazing Mirror fragment.

Om-!
The moment the essence and blood touched the fragment.

The star patterns suddenly lit up, the fragments trembled slightly, and a hazy starlight halo appeared on their surface.

The once silent ancient artifacts seemed to be instantly infused with a soul, becoming vibrant and profound. Countless tiny starlight runes flowed and disappeared within the halo, containing ineffable mysteries of divination.

"Fan'er," Fu Changsheng pushed the activated fragment in front of Fu Yongfan, "this item is just what you need."

Fu Yongfan held his breath and solemnly accepted it with both hands.

The fragments feel warm and smooth to the touch.

He felt that the many confusions and obstacles in his mind about the way of deduction were beginning to loosen under the starlight.

He immediately sat down cross-legged, placed the fragments of the star-gazing mirror in his palm, and concentrated on comprehending them.

The starlight, like water, slowly permeated his consciousness.

Countless profound insights into the trajectories of stars, the threads of destiny, and the intertwining of cause and effect flowed into his sea of ​​consciousness like gentle streams. The aura around him gradually merged with the fragment in his palm, and a miniature phantom of the starry sky faintly appeared behind him, with stars flickering and evolving endless secrets of heaven.

Fu Changsheng stood quietly by his side, protecting him, while Zhou Jin watched nervously.

This went on for several months.

Suddenly.

Fu Yongfan's aura suddenly changed!
The illusory image of the starry sky suddenly contracted and disappeared entirely into his mind's sea between his brows!

The fragment of the star-gazing mirror in his palm shone brightly, then subsided, becoming increasingly ancient and unadorned. He slowly opened his eyes, and a fleeting vision of celestial annihilation and the flow of cause and effect flashed within them.

"Father,"

"Your son has lived up to expectations and, thanks to this treasure, has advanced to the fourth rank of divination master!"

in this way.

Their Fu family will then be able to smoothly rise to the rank of a fifth-grade noble family.

"Father, just as I broke through to the next level, on a whim, I forcibly deduced the destiny of the Fu family using my newly acquired power... Within ten years, the Fu family's stronghold in the Eastern Wilderness may face a bloody disaster! A murderous aura soars to the heavens, and karmic entanglements are present; if not handled properly, it may be on the verge of collapse!"

"The Eastern Wilderness stronghold..." Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Do you know the specific reason?"

Fu Yongfan shook his head, his face paling slightly.
"The heavens are shrouded in mystery; all we can see is a blood-red aura. The specific reason and the identity of the enemy are obscured by the mist. But that malevolent aura is no ordinary thing… Father, we must make plans soon!"

Fu Changsheng, however, roughly knew the reason.

As mentioned in previous intelligence reports.

The Vermilion Bird Tribe has found outside help. Even a centipede with a hundred legs will not die easily; it is most likely the Vermilion Bird Tribe's doing.

Now the affairs of the capital are settled.

They also took the opportunity to return to the Eastern Wilderness.

The process for promoting members of fifth-rank aristocratic families is also about to begin.

...

...

Several days later, in the main hall of the Ninth Prince's Mansion.

Fu Changsheng offered his leave and gently pushed Zhou Jin to the side of the Ninth Prince: "Your Highness, now that Jin'er has recovered, let him stay in the Prince's residence. With you taking care of him, I can rest assured."

However, the Ninth Prince waved his hand repeatedly:

“Brother Fu, you mustn’t! Since the intelligence headquarters was destroyed, the Crown Prince’s faction has not made any moves openly, but has been making frequent moves in secret, pressing us step by step. The capital is now the center of the vortex, full of dangers. Jin’er’s identity is special. If he stays with me, he will be too conspicuous and even more dangerous. I beg you, Brother Fu, to take him away from the capital and avoid the limelight for the time being, so that I can deal with the situation with peace of mind.”

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng stopped insisting.

He changed the subject abruptly and said in a deep voice:
“Since Your Highness says so, I will take Jin’er with me. In addition, Yongfan recently used his divination skills to vaguely see that there may be villains lurking inside the Prince’s mansion.

The Ninth Prince's eyes suddenly sharpened: "Oh? Brother Fu, please speak plainly!"

"According to Yongfan's speculation, the Crown Prince has planted three spies in the Prince's residence. They are Steward Liu from the kitchen, Steward Li from the library, and... your personal guard named 'Shadow Seven'. Your Highness should be wary of these three and deal with them as you see fit."

The Ninth Prince's face darkened, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

These three were all people he relied on heavily, especially Shadow Seven, who had been his trusted confidant for many years! He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging killing intent in his heart, and solemnly cupped his hands to Fu Changsheng:

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Fu! I will remember this kindness!"

With their departure settled, the group moved to the teleportation array outside the mansion.

As they parted, the Ninth Prince seemingly casually patted Zhou Jin on the shoulder, while a barely perceptible ray of spiritual light silently entered Zhou Jin's sleeve, simultaneously transmitting a secret message:
"Jin'er, this is a 'Minor Teleportation Talisman,' containing the power of a Nascent Soul. In critical moments, it can tear through space and teleport thousands of miles instantly. Keep it for saving your life. While you are away, listen to your maternal grandfather's arrangements, cultivate diligently, and do not disappoint your great-uncle and maternal grandfather."

Zhou Jin's body trembled slightly as he felt the powerful yet subtle spatial fluctuations emanating from the talisman in his sleeve. A warm current surged in his heart, and he nodded heavily.

Just as everyone was about to step into the teleportation array.

Fu Yongning's face showed a hint of anxiety and anticipation as he whispered:

"Father, Feifei (the flying squirrel) told me that it sensed the call of its parents' bloodline in the direction of the East Palace! They might be in the East Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng frowned slightly.

He glanced towards the majestic palace complex to the east of the imperial city, a place where dragon energy coiled and guards were tight, far beyond the reach of the current Fu family:
“Ning’er, the Eastern Palace is a den of dragons and tigers, not a place we can venture into right now. This matter cannot be rushed. Your priority and Little Wood’s priority is to focus on cultivation. When you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you may find an opportunity to explore this matter.”

Although Fu Yongning was unwilling, he knew that his father's words made sense, so he could only purse his lips:
"Yes, Father, Ning'er understands."

With a flash of light, the teleportation array activated with a roar.

Fu Changsheng and his group disappeared into the formation.

...

...

Meanwhile, in a quiet side hall of the Eastern Palace of the Imperial City.

The Crown Prince's heir stood with his back to the palace gate, hands clasped behind his back. A dark figure appeared silently behind him like a ghost, kneeling on one knee.

"Your Highness, the Fu family members have already left the capital via the teleportation array."

The Crown Prince did not turn around, but spoke calmly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "Have you confirmed things with Shuangyue Palace?"

"Yes, Xuanji has returned and delivered the message as planned. The new palace master of Shuangyue Palace has chosen to close the mountain and the palace, and there are no unusual developments for the time being."

“Sealing the mountain? He does know how to be patient.” Crown Prince Sun chuckled. “Fu Changsheng… I underestimated him. Not only did he manage to escape from the two Nascent Soul cultivators of Shuangyue Palace, but he also managed to frame me and help that good-for-nothing Zhou Xuanyong eliminate one of my important informants… Interesting.”

He slowly turned around, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes: "Pass down the order, ignore the Ninth Prince for now. Investigate this Fu Changsheng and the Fu family behind him thoroughly. I need to know all their details, especially... their stronghold in the Eastern Wilderness."

"Yes!" The shadowy figure acknowledged the order, its form gradually fading until it merged into the shadows and disappeared.

Silence returned to the palace. The Crown Prince looked westward, in the direction where Fu Changsheng and the others had left, which was also the location of the Eastern Wilderness.

"The Fu family...Eastern Wilderness..."

He muttered to himself, a cruel smile curving his lips.

...

...

They left the turbulent and unpredictable capital.

To prevent the Crown Prince's faction or other potential enemies from intercepting him along the way, Fu Changsheng spared no expense, spending a huge amount of spirit stones to directly teleport through teleportation arrays in different continents.

They traveled around most of the southern continent.

They finally arrived safely at their destination – Wuzhou.

……

In the Wuzhou Teleportation Hall, the light slowly dissipated, revealing the figures of Fu Changsheng and his group.

"Lord Fu, it's been many years since we last met, and you're even more impressive than before!" Master Yan said with a beaming smile, his tone warm yet subtly respectful.

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly.

nowadays.

His official rank was even higher than that of Master Yan.

Master Yan stepped aside to lead the way:
"This is not the place to talk. Please, sir, move to the main hall for a discussion. I have heard that the Fu family is now producing many talented individuals and has the potential to be promoted to a fifth-rank aristocratic family. This is a great event for Wuzhou, and as the deputy hall master of the Zhenshi Division, I am also honored to be a part of it!"

Fu Changsheng readily agreed, and the group followed Master Yan to the main hall of the Zhenshi Division.

After the guests and hosts were seated, Fu Changsheng looked around and asked, "Where is the Xuan Yang Palace Master?"

Upon hearing this, Master Yan's face showed a hint of emotion and envy:

"The Palace Master sensed that the opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage had arrived and went into seclusion several years ago to fully focus on breaking through to the Nascent Soul path. Currently, the palace's mundane affairs will be temporarily managed by me, Yan."

Fu Changsheng nodded: "I see. I wish Fellow Daoist Xuanyang a swift success."

"Thank you for your kind words, sir." Master Yan replied with a smile, then changed the subject and returned to the main topic, "Sir, I have prepared all the procedures for the Fu family to be promoted to a fifth-rank family. We are just waiting for your son's fourth-rank craftsman status to be confirmed."

(End of this chapter)