Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 635 Background, Lottery, True Spirit Tribe
Fu Changsheng was quite satisfied with Yan Zhenren's efficiency.

He gave Fan Ge'er a wink.

Fu Yongfan stepped forward and calmly cupped his hands in greeting:

"This junior greets Palace Master Yan. This is my fourth-tier divination master identity jade token and Heavenly Mystery Pavilion certification document. Please verify them, Palace Master."

Master Yan accepted the jade tablet and the document.

He scanned it carefully with his divine sense.

Especially after confirming the unique encryption mark of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, his smile widened, and he repeatedly said:
"Excellent! Excellent! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young! Nephew Yongfan is already a fourth-level divination master at such a young age. His future is limitless. It is only a matter of time before the Fu family is promoted to the fourth rank!"

He then took out a thick scroll made of spirit silk that he had prepared beforehand from his storage ring and spread it out on the table.

"Lord Fu, my nephew Yongfan, these are the promotion regulations and required documents for fifth-rank families."

"I know you are eager to return, and that affairs in the Eastern Wilderness are busy. I have already prepared all the necessary documents. You only need to fill in the relevant information. I will personally oversee the subsequent verification, reporting, and filing processes to ensure they are completed as quickly as possible. I will not dare to delay the important matter of the Fu family's promotion!"

Fu Changsheng glanced at the well-made and formatted forms and knew that Master Yan had indeed put in a lot of effort. He returned the favor by saying, "Fellow Daoist Yan has done a very good job. I am extremely grateful."

"Of course, of course!" Master Yan's face lit up with a smile upon hearing this, just as he had hoped. "The Fu family's promotion to the fifth rank is also an honor for our Wuzhou Zhenshi Division. I will certainly do my utmost. Rest assured, sir, as long as the documents are complete, the promotion approval will be issued in as little as six months, or at most a year!"

He spoke with great confidence, clearly having already made arrangements at every stage and was just waiting for the Fu family to submit their materials.

Fu Changsheng said no more and immediately filled out the form provided by Master Yan one by one with Fu Yongfan.

Master Yan waited patiently by his side, occasionally answering questions about the details of filling out the forms. He was humble and provided excellent service.

After all the documents were filled out and sealed with the family seal, Master Yan solemnly accepted them:

"Rest assured, my lord, this matter is yours to handle. Once the cabinet's approval is issued, I will immediately send someone... no, I will personally go to the Fu family to deliver it and witness the promotion ceremony!"

"Then we will await Fellow Daoist Yan's good news." Fu Changsheng stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

"I will certainly live up to your trust!" Master Yan bowed in return and personally escorted Fu Changsheng and his party out of the Zhenshi Division Hall.

...

...

They left Wuzhou Town, Shisi.

Fu Changsheng and his entourage returned directly to their fiefdom, Huizhou Prefecture.

Outside the city walls.

Having received the news, Liu Meizhen had already led a portion of her clansmen to wait for a long time.

When she saw Fu Changsheng, Fu Yongfan, and the others descend in their escape light, a barely suppressed ripple appeared in her calm eyes.

"Mother/Madam!" The crowd stepped forward to greet her.

Liu Meizhen nodded slightly.

Their gazes finally fell upon Fu Yongfan, the eldest son whom they had not seen for decades.

All the words I wanted to say were ultimately reduced to a gentle sigh:

"Just come back."

A warm current surged in Fu Yongfan's heart, his nose tingled slightly, and he bowed deeply:
"I have caused my mother worry; I am an unfilial son."

among the crowd.

Fu Yongpeng joined the others in greeting them, a polite smile on his face, but a barely perceptible shadow crossed his eyes.

The family is about to be promoted to a fifth-rank aristocratic family.

According to the court's custom, the position of heir apparent must be established.

The eldest son, Fu Yongfan, has already reached the Golden Core stage in cultivation and is a rare fourth-order divination master. Whether from the perspective of etiquette or ability, he is the most powerful candidate.

But Fu Yongpeng was a hundred times unwilling!
My elder brother has been away from home for decades and has never contributed a single bit to the development of the family. Now, under the leadership of our father and with the joint efforts of all the brothers and nephews, the family is thriving and is about to achieve great success. Yet he has come back to reap the greatest rewards.

Why!
Fu Yongpeng has worked hard and made great contributions to the family's development. His son, Fu Qinglin, is exceptionally talented and has already reached the Pseudo-Core stage at a young age. Not long ago, he went into seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage!
With Qinglin's talent and foundation, the quality of the golden core he condenses will certainly not be worse than his brother's!

The position of heir apparent should rightfully be inherited by his lineage!

……

That night.

The Fu family hosted a family banquet at their main residence in Huizhou to welcome Fu Yongfan and his wife, Yulian.

Today, the Fu family's businesses are scattered all over the place, with many strongholds. Many of the members and elders are stationed or on missions in other places, making it difficult for them to gather together.

Therefore, the welcoming banquet was not large in scale, with only the triplets Fu Yongjing, Fu Yongling, and Fu Yongpeng, who stayed in Huizhou, and Fu Yongfu and his Daoist partner, Fairy Haiyun, participating.

The atmosphere at the banquet appeared harmonious.

The brothers toasted each other, discussing their experiences over the years and the development of their family, creating a lively atmosphere.

Fu Yongfu and Haiyun were overjoyed at the return of their elder brother and sister-in-law.

Fu Yongpeng didn't say much, mostly just listening with a smile, occasionally echoing a few words, but his gaze would often sweep over his father Fu Changsheng and his radiant elder brother Fu Yongfan in the main seat, his thoughts about the position of heir growing stronger.

After the banquet ended.

Fu Yongpeng returned to his courtyard, gazing in the direction of his son Fu Qinglin's secluded meditation chamber, and silently prayed:
"Lin'er, whether I can win the position of heir apparent, and whether the Fu family can be led by our lineage in the future, depends on you! You must form a golden core that far surpasses Fu Yongfan's!"

...

...

After the banquet, everyone dispersed.

Fu Yongfan did not go back to his room to rest, but went to his father Fu Changsheng's study.

“Father,” Fu Yongfan said solemnly, “I would like to request permission to go to the Tianyin Mountain stronghold in the Eastern Wilderness to take charge.”

Fu Changsheng put down his teacup, looked at his eldest son, and gestured for him to continue.

"Although the family seems to be thriving now, the 'bloody disaster' that I predicted when I first entered the fourth level is still like a sword hanging over my head, making me unable to eat or sleep."

Fu Yongfan frowned slightly:
"Now that my divination skills have been solidified at the fourth level, if I can personally go to Tianyin Mountain—the place where my Fu family has the deepest operations in the Eastern Wilderness and is most likely to bear the brunt of the disaster—I can use the local geomantic energy and causal connections to perhaps clear away more fog and deduce the specific reasons for the disaster, or even the approximate time, so that the family can prepare in advance and avoid the danger of collapse."

Fu Changsheng's eyes revealed approval.

Yongfan's willingness to volunteer, his fearlessness in the face of danger, and his concern for his family deeply pleased him. The situation in the Eastern Wilderness is complex, and Yongfan's experience there, learning to handle things independently, will greatly benefit his growth.

“Hmm,” Fu Changsheng nodded slightly, “What you say makes sense. Tianyin Mountain is the foundation of my Fu family in the Eastern Wilderness. I am at ease having you go there to oversee it. Your divination skills may be able to find key clues there. I will go with you on this matter. After I finish my official duties, I will go with you.”

"Thank you, Father!" Fu Yongfan bowed and replied.

Yu Lian, who was standing next to Fu Yongfan, also stepped forward:
“Father, your daughter-in-law wishes to accompany Yongfan to Tianyin Mountain.”

Husband and wife are one; regardless of good or bad fortune, they should share the burden.

She did not want to be separated from her husband, with whom she had just reunited.

Fu Changsheng looked at his daughter-in-law and nodded:
"That's good. You two can travel together and look out for each other."

According to intelligence reports.

Yu Lian can open a treasure chest in the back of Tianlang Mountain. It's perfect that Yu Lian goes along.

...

...

After Fu Yongfan and Yulian left the study, Fu Changsheng was about to deal with other official business when a message came from outside the door that Yan Haiyun was requesting an audience.

Fu Changsheng was slightly surprised and gestured for him to come in.

Haiyun entered the study, her expression unlike her usual gentle demeanor, instead carrying an indescribable solemnity and a hint of bewilderment. She dismissed those around her and even waved her hand to set up a soundproof barrier.

This action made Fu Changsheng's gaze narrow slightly, knowing that she must have something important to say.

“Father,” Haiyun took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly, “I have come today to report something. I…I have awakened my memories.”

Fu Changsheng did not interrupt, and waited for what was to come.

"My real name is Yun Xi. I am the only daughter of Yun Ting Zhenjun, the island lord of 'Haiyun Island' under the Myriad Paths Alliance in the South China Sea."

"Decades ago, my island, Haiyun Island, was suddenly attacked by our nemesis. The island's protective formation was broken. To save my life, my father activated an extremely rare 'Ten Thousand Mile Random Teleportation Talisman' in a critical moment, intending to send me away. Unexpectedly, the teleportation process was interfered with by the powerful enemy, causing spatial disorder. As a result, I ended up in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and my memories were damaged. It was only recently that I was able to fully recover."

She was actually the only daughter of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Fu Changsheng's heart stirred.

If they could have this True Lord as a backer in the South China Sea, the chances of the Fu family gaining a foothold would be much greater.

"Haiyun, your father, True Monarch Yunting, is now..."

Haiyun's expression darkened, and she shook her head:

"I don't know. When the island was destroyed that day, the situation was critical, and my father... his fate was unknown."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly forced them back:
"As far as I know, the outer sea is full of islands, and the competition is far more intense than in the Great Zhou. Even islands with Nascent Soul True Monarchs in charge are often in danger of falling, either due to power struggles or encountering powerful sea beast tides."

She paused and added:

"However, it is precisely because of the fierce competition and the treacherous environment that the cultivation resources in the outer sea, especially the high-level resources, are far richer than those in the Great Zhou. Although the competition for various rare mineral veins, spiritual herbs, and even auxiliary spiritual objects for condensing the Nascent Soul is fierce, the probability of their appearance is far greater than that of the Great Zhou."

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, a single Nascent Soul auxiliary spiritual item was enough to cause a bloodbath, and it was firmly controlled by various major forces. Ordinary Golden Core cultivators found it extremely difficult to obtain even a drop of "Life Source Water".

He instantly developed a great interest in and longing for that distant and unfamiliar sea.

"Haiyun," Fu Changsheng's tone softened, "you must compile all your memories about the South China Sea, especially the Outer Sea, the Myriad Paths Alliance, Haiyun Island, and the surrounding forces, resource distribution, local customs, etc., into a book and hand it over to me. This matter is of great importance, and may... determine another way out for the Fu family in the future."

Upon hearing this, Haiyun's spirits lifted.

She had already harbored the intention of using the Fu family's power to find her father's whereabouts and even seek revenge, and seeing how much Fu Changsheng valued this, she immediately bowed and replied:
"Yes, Father! Your daughter-in-law will do her utmost to record everything she knows in detail!"

...

...

As night deepened, Fu Changsheng finished his official duties and returned to the inner courtyard.

Liu Meizhen was reviewing the family accounts under the lamp when she saw her husband return. She put down her work and poured him a cup of hot tea.

“Meizhen,” Fu Changsheng took the teacup, pondered for a moment, and then spoke, “Today Haiyun came and explained her background. She is the daughter of a Nascent Soul True Lord in the Southern Outer Star Sea.”

Liu Meizhen paused slightly in her hand holding the teapot, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and listened attentively to what was to come.

Fu Changsheng recounted in detail Haiyun's account of the South China Sea and the Outer Sea, as well as the fact that the area was rich in resources but fiercely competitive.

Finally, he looked at his wife with a clear and bright gaze:

"The Great Zhou's resources are becoming increasingly scarce, and the path to Nascent Soul is arduous. The South China Sea may become the key to the Fu family's further advancement."

Liu Meizhen was an exceptionally intelligent woman, and she immediately understood her husband's intention:
"Is my husband planning to prepare for the worst and make arrangements in advance in the South China Sea?"

“Not bad.” Fu Changsheng nodded. “The interdimensional teleportation array leading to the South China Sea is only missing a core piece, the ‘Cloud Jade,’ to activate. Although this item is rare, it’s not without clues. We need to prepare in advance so that once we obtain the Cloud Jade, we can act quickly and establish a foothold in the South China Sea.”

He paused and continued:

"Haiyun is compiling detailed intelligence about the South China Sea, which must include records of the characteristics and weaknesses of various sea beasts, as well as the entanglements of extraterrestrial sea forces. Meizhen, I want you to personally take charge and, based on this intelligence, secretly select and assemble an elite team from among the clan's elite disciples, and even Golden Core elders."

His gaze was deep and thoughtful.
"This squad must be proficient in naval warfare and formations, and especially need specialized training to exploit the weaknesses of common sea monsters in the South China Sea, as well as be familiar with the environment and potential risks of the alien sea. Once the passage is opened, they will be the vanguard and cornerstone of the Fu family's entry into the South China Sea!"

"Don't worry, my husband, I'll take care of this."

She frowned slightly:
"However... should we be cautious about transferring Golden Core elders, especially since it might involve Uncle Fei and the others? After all, things aren't peaceful in the Eastern Wilderness either."

Fu Changsheng said, "It's alright. Now that a teleportation array has been built in Tianyin Mountain in the Eastern Wilderness, even if there is an accident, we can teleport you here in an instant. In addition, the matter of forming the South China Sea Squad is currently only known to you and me. We can slowly look for candidates and conduct secret assessments. Training also needs to be carried out in secret. Everything will be clear once we obtain Yun Qingyu."

"I understand." Liu Meizhen nodded, her eyes already searching for a suitable candidate.

……

After returning to his private room.

A thought.

Fu Changsheng then appeared in the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space, his thoughts landing on the panel in his sea of ​​consciousness:

"Redeem for Special Prize Draw"

hum!
The golden light on the panel suddenly surged, transforming into countless tiny runes. These runes collided and combined, eventually forming a huge, phantom roulette wheel. The wheel was divided into dozens of squares, each containing the vague outlines of different treasures: elixirs, magical artifacts, spiritual materials, and even some indistinct spheres of inherited light.

Fu Changsheng held his breath, his eyes fixed on the rapidly spinning roulette wheel:

"I wonder what we will obtain this time?"

The roulette wheel gradually slowed down, and finally, the pointer stopped on a square that emitted a warm white light and seemed to have clouds flowing inside.

next moment.

Fu Changsheng felt a slight weight in his storage bag, as an extra object appeared.

On a whim, he took it out.

He suddenly had a palm-sized, feather-shaped token in his hand.

The token is entirely moon-white, warm to the touch, neither gold nor jade, its material unknown. Its surface is naturally patterned with cloud-like patterns, and at its center is an ancient character "遁" (dùn, meaning "escape"), faintly radiating spatial fluctuations.

The instant his fingertips touched the token, a stream of information flooded into his mind:

[Minor Heavenly Cloud Forbidden Talisman]

[Rank]: Special Rare Treasure (One-Time Use)
[Source]: A secret transmission from the ancient Cloud Forbidden Sect, containing a trace of the true meaning of spatial forbidden techniques.

【effect】:
• Forbidden Space: Once activated, it can create a "Minor Heavenly Cloud Restriction" within a radius of 100 miles, temporarily prohibiting all spatial teleportation, escape techniques, and communication. Cultivators below the mid-Nascent Soul stage cannot forcibly break through this restriction.

• Duration: Depends on the caster's magical power and the intensity of external interference, but can usually last for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn (about five minutes).

• Concealed fluctuations: When the Cloud Restriction is activated, the fluctuations are extremely subtle and difficult to detect unless one is well-versed in spatial manipulation or has a divine sense far exceeding that of the spellcaster.

【limit】:
• A one-time consumable item; the talisman will disintegrate upon use.

• Activation requires a large amount of mana and ten breaths of preparation time; it cannot be cast instantly.

A glint of light flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes!
This item is not a treasure for offense or defense, but it is an extremely rare "control" type of treasure!

“Forbidden Space…” he muttered to himself, his mind racing.

This item is a killer weapon when used in critical moments!

Whether used to trap and kill powerful enemies, cutting off their escape routes; or for large-scale operations, preventing the enemy from calling for help or interfering with their teleportation arrays; or when exploring secret realms and vying for treasures, isolating the inside from the outside and creating a temporary "private" battlefield... its strategic value far surpasses that of many other magic weapons of the same level!

"Good! This has come at just the right time!" Fu Changsheng's face showed satisfaction.

The situation in the Eastern Wilderness is unpredictable, and with various complex situations that may arise in the future, this [Minor Heavenly Cloud Forbidden Talisman] undoubtedly adds a powerful trump card to his portfolio.

… …

Eastern Wilderness, the ancestral home of the Vermilion Bird tribe.

The tribe that had suffered heavy losses under Fu Changsheng has recovered some of its former glory after several years of recuperation.

Their greatest reliance was on the chieftain sitting at the head of the table, whose aura was deep and powerful, indicating that he had recovered from his serious injuries years ago and returned to the nascent infant realm!

At this moment, below the main hall, a woman dressed in a crimson gauze dress with a graceful figure sat languidly; she was none other than the Crimson Serpent Fairy of the Joyful Sect.

She narrowly escaped the battle at the extinct volcano in Huixi County, but instead of fleeing far away, she quietly infiltrated the Eastern Wilderness and lay dormant for more than ten years, watching the feud between the Fu family and the Zhuque tribe deepen.

She only chose to reveal herself at this moment after confirming that the Vermilion Bird Tribe and the Fu family were locked in an irreconcilable conflict.

"The chieftain has fully recovered from his injuries and his cultivation is even stronger than before. This is truly a cause for celebration."

The Crimson Serpent Fairy's voice carried a hint of seductive charm, yet her eyes were sharp as knives:

"But does the chief really intend to back down now, watch the Fu family grow stronger in the Eastern Wilderness, and wipe the slate clean of past grievances?"

Chief Suzaku snorted coldly, a flash of ferocity in his eyes:
"Cancel it? This enmity is irreconcilable! But the Fu family is powerful, and now they have added a Golden Core cultivator. If we seek revenge rashly, we may repeat the same mistakes."

Although he was filled with hatred, he had not completely lost his mind.

The Crimson Fairy's red lips curved slightly as she dropped a bombshell:

"If I were to tell the chief that the land occupied by the Fu family in Huixi County is not an ordinary spiritual vein, but a deeply hidden 'blessed land'? Moreover, it is suspected that it contains an immense opportunity to condense a Nascent Soul!"

"What?! A Nascent Soul stage opportunity?!"

Chief Suzaku suddenly sat up straight, his breathing becoming heavier, and a terrifying glint flashed in his eyes.

He had been stuck at the Nascent Soul stage for a long time, and his tribe had suffered heavy losses. He knew that only by breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage could he truly stabilize the situation and even avenge his family. The allure of the Nascent Soul opportunity was irresistible to him!

"Is the news true?" He stared intently at the Crimson Fairy.

"I swear by my inner demons," the Crimson Serpent Fairy solemnly said. "When our sect attacked the Dead Volcano, our true target was that grotto-heaven! It's just a pity that we failed at the last minute."

She then changed the subject and continued to fan the flames:

"However, with the current strength of the nobles alone, it is indeed difficult to shake the Fu family. But what if we use the 'Water Cloud Cave Heaven' and the Nascent Soul opportunity as bait to persuade the other major tribes in the Eastern Wilderness with Golden Core cultivators to join forces? Profits are tempting, and I don't believe they won't be tempted!"

Chief Suzaku's eyes flickered, clearly showing his interest.

Seeing this, the Crimson Serpent Fairy added fuel to the fire:

"Furthermore, the chief need not worry too much about high-end combat capabilities."

Our Joyful Sect also attaches great importance to this matter and has dispatched three more fake infant elders to take a secret route at any cost. They will arrive in the Eastern Wilderness soon.

"At that time, together with our three Nascent Soul cultivators, Chief, and the Golden Core cultivators from the various tribes of the Eastern Wilderness who have been persuaded, we will work together from within and without to first concentrate our forces on breaking through the Fu family's deepest stronghold, Tianyin Mountain! Using this as a breakthrough, we can then advance unimpeded, completely driving the Fu family out of the Eastern Wilderness and dividing their territory and that blessed land!"

Hear this.

Chief Suzaku subconsciously glanced at the Nascent Soul talisman bestowed upon him by True Monarch Baihua in his storage ring, and his confidence increased greatly.

He was already eager for revenge, and now he was tempted by the opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage, with powerful reinforcements by his side. How could he possibly restrain himself?
"Very well!" Chief Suzaku suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with murderous intent. "We will follow the fairy's plan! I will immediately send people to contact all the tribes! The Fu family... this time, we will make you pay for your blood debt and seize that blessed land, along with your entire estate!"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy smiled sweetly, but her eyes were icy cold.

...

...

Eastern Wilderness, Xuan Turtle Tribe.

The Xuan Turtle tribe, known for its defense and longevity, has its ancestral home situated in a vast lake. Its buildings are mostly constructed of massive stones, giving them a solid and imposing appearance.

"The chief of the Vermilion Bird tribe requests an audience?" Chief Xuan Turtle's voice was slow, tinged with reluctance.

He was well aware of the feud between the Fu family and the Zhuque tribe and did not want to get involved.

The Xuan Turtle Tribe has always adhered to the way of the tortoise's breath, prioritizing stability.

“Yes, Chief. In addition… he also mentioned that he hopes the Chief can spare some time to meet with him, out of respect for the Hundred Flowers True Monarch of Hundred Flowers Valley,” the elder added.

"True Lord Baihua..." A slight ripple finally appeared on the usually impassive face of the Xuan Turtle Chieftain. News of True Lord Baihua's personal visit to the Vermilion Bird Tribe several years ago, and his assistance in healing its chieftain, had already spread throughout the Eastern Wilderness. He couldn't afford to disrespect this Nascent Soul True Lord.

"Please let him in," Chief Xuan Turtle instructed after a moment's thought.

Not long after.

The Vermilion Bird Chief strode into the main hall, and the undisguised aura emanating from the fake infant caused a hint of surprise to flash in the eyes of the Black Tortoise Chief.

It seems the rumors were true. Not only did True Lord Baihua come in person, but he also helped him to fully recover, and his cultivation even improved.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhuque, on your full recovery and further advancement in cultivation."

Chief Xuan Turtle stood up, his tone much more polite than expected. Having confirmed the close relationship between the other party and True Monarch Baihua, his attitude naturally changed accordingly.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Gui is too kind." Chief Zhuque returned the greeting with a cupped hand and got straight to the point, "I have come here today with a very important matter concerning the future structure of the various tribes in the Eastern Wilderness."

He immediately revealed that the Fu family had occupied "Shuiyun Cave Heaven" and that it might contain "Nascent Soul opportunities," and proposed a joint military expedition to share the benefits.

After listening, the chieftain of the Xuan Turtle remained silent for a long time.

The opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage is indeed tempting, but the Fu family is now powerful and deeply rooted, making them no easy opponent. His Xuan Turtle tribe, content with its remote corner, has always disliked conflict; rashly participating in such a great war would be far too risky.

“Fellow Daoist Zhuque,” ​​the chieftain of Xuan Turtle spoke slowly, his tone cautious, “the Fu family’s strength is not to be underestimated, and it is said that they are about to be promoted to a fifth-rank family, which involves many people. My Xuan Turtle tribe only seeks peace and stability, and it is really not advisable to start a war lightly.”

He didn't refuse outright, but his words clearly implied a desire to decline.

Chief Suzaku seemed to have anticipated this, and was not discouraged. Instead, he lowered his voice and said:

"I understand your concerns, fellow Daoist. However, this is not just a matter for my Vermilion Bird Tribe alone. To be honest, the Joyful Sect also has three Nascent Soul elders arriving soon. At that time, our side will have an absolute advantage in high-end combat power. Moreover..."

His gaze swept across the main hall, and he said meaningfully:
"Although True Lord Baihua did not say it explicitly, you should know his attitude, fellow Daoist. If this matter can be accomplished, True Lord will surely remember your favor."

"This matter... is of great importance. Allow me to discuss it with the elders of the clan." Chief Xuan Turtle finally gave an ambiguous answer, neither agreeing nor completely refusing, leaving room for maneuver.

Chief Zhuque knew he couldn't push too hard. Seeing that his goal had been achieved, he rose to take his leave: "In that case, I will await your good news, fellow Daoist. I hope you will prioritize the future of your tribe!"

...

...

After seeing off Chief Zhuque, Chief Xuangui, with a solemn expression, dismissed his attendants and went alone to the forbidden area in the deepest part of the tribe's back mountain.

The entrance to the forbidden area was an inconspicuous mountain wall. The chieftain of the Xuan Turtle formed a hand seal and released a beam of spiritual light containing a unique bloodline aura. The mountain wall rippled slightly, spreading out like water, revealing a deep cave entrance that could only accommodate one person at a time.

Upon entering the forbidden area, a rich earth-attribute spiritual energy rushed towards us, mixed with an ancient and weathered aura.

In the center of the forbidden area, there was not a magnificent palace, but a huge spiritual pool, like a small lake.

The pool water was clear, yet its depth was unfathomable.

Chief Xuan Turtle walked to the edge of the spirit pool and bowed respectfully:
"Xuan Kun, the current chieftain of the Xuan Turtle Tribe, requests an audience with the Holy Ancestor."

The words fell.

Fine bubbles began to rise from the center of the pool, and the surface of the water slowly swelled.

A moment later, an enormous turtle head emerged from the water. Its head was covered in wrinkles, and its eyes were cloudy yet seemed to have seen through countless ages. The turtle's shell was marked with natural and mysterious patterns, radiating a powerful aura that made people's hearts tremble, yet it was also faintly connected to the entire earth and mountain range, its aura obscure and difficult to understand.

This is the greatest treasure of the Xuan Turtle Tribe, the guardian spirit beast that has lived for ten thousand years—the Old Xuan Turtle!
His cultivation had already reached the Nascent Soul realm, but the Xuan Turtle tribe had kept it a secret for generations, and no one outside knew about it.

"What's disturbing?"

The old tortoise's voice was slow and deep, resonating directly in the heart of the tortoise chieftain, Xuan Kun.

Xuan Kun dared not delay and reported in detail the visit of the Vermilion Bird Chieftain, as well as the Fu family's "Water Cloud Cave Heaven," "Nascent Soul opportunity," and joint military expedition.

“…Holy Ancestor, our clan has always prioritized stability and has not wished to participate in conflicts. However, this time it involves the opportunity of the Nascent Soul stage, and it seems that both Hundred Flowers Valley and Joyful Sect are involved. I dare not act on my own initiative, so I have come to ask for your instructions, Holy Ancestor.”

The old black tortoise's cloudy eyes moved slightly, and it remained silent for a long time, so long that Xuan Kun thought the Holy Ancestor had already fallen asleep.

Finally, that ancient voice resounded in his mind once more:
"Stability... is no longer a long-term solution."

Xuan Kun was startled and looked up at the Holy Ancestor.

"While I was asleep, I suddenly sensed a divine secret,"

The old tortoise's voice carried a hint of heaviness:
"Calculations suggest that several hundred years from now, or perhaps even sooner, a great calamity will descend from beyond the heavens and sweep across the entire Southern Continent. At that time, all living beings will be devastated, and no one will be able to escape it."

Xuan Kun gasped, his face turning pale instantly.

A catastrophe from heaven?

Sweeping across the entire Southern Continent?

"In the face of this great calamity, it is a pipe dream to remain unscathed. Only by possessing sufficient power can one seize a glimmer of hope for survival."

The old tortoise continued:
"Our Xuan Turtle clan, though strong in defense, lacks offensive and reactive capabilities. If we wish to survive the great calamity, the tribe must change its past strategy of seeking only stability and cultivate our own true Nascent Soul level combatants, at least one or two, to have a foundation for survival."

Xuan Kun immediately understood what the Holy Ancestor meant.

The Nascent Soul opportunity in the "Water Cloud Cave Heaven" occupied by the Fu family may be the key for the tribe to break the deadlock and cultivate a Nascent Soul!

The Holy Ancestor approves of participating in this matter!

"This junior understands!" Xuan Kun kowtowed deeply. "For the sake of our tribe's heritage, our people must fight with all our might!"

"Hmm..." the old tortoise responded slowly.

Then, it opened its mouth and emitted a beam of earthy yellow light.

The light fell in front of Xuan Kun, transforming into three ancient talismans, each radiating a powerful nascent soul energy, with a phantom image of a Xuan Turtle flowing across its surface.

"These three 'Mysterious Tortoise Mountain-Suppressing Talismans' contain a strike of my life essence, and their power is comparable to the full-force attack of an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. I bestow them upon you for self-defense, and they can also serve as a deterrent."

The old tortoise's voice carried a hint of weariness:
"Go, but proceed with caution. Remember, strength is the key to survival in chaotic times."

Xuan Kun excitedly accepted the three heavy Nascent Soul talismans with both hands, feeling the immense, mountain-like power within them, which greatly boosted his confidence. He bowed deeply once more:
"Thank you, Holy Ancestor, for bestowing this treasure! This junior will certainly live up to your expectations!"

...

...

Upon emerging from the forbidden area behind the mountain, Chief Xuan Turtle immediately ordered the summoning of all the Golden Core elders in the tribe.

When he stepped inside, there were already more than two hundred Golden Core cultivators gathered in the hall, including nearly twenty at the Nascent Soul stage!
This is the formidable foundation accumulated by the Xuan Turtle Tribe over ten thousand years. They never easily participate in the battles of the Eastern Wilderness, focusing instead on recuperation and development. The number of experts within their tribe far exceeds outsiders' imagination. However, due to the extreme scarcity of Nascent Soul auxiliary spiritual objects, no one can take that final step.

Chief Xuan Turtle's gaze swept across the area below, lingering for a moment on the faces of the old-timers who were all white-haired and had powerful auras, yet which also carried a hint of decay. He then succinctly recounted Chief Zhuque's purpose for coming, as well as the matters concerning "Water Cloud Cave Heaven" and "Nascent Soul Opportunity."

"Chief! Is this really true?" an old man with a withered face and a body like rotten wood asked in a trembling voice. He was one of the most senior fake infants in the tribe, Elder Xuan Shi.

“The Vermilion Bird Chieftain spoke these words himself, and with the Hundred Flowers True Monarch as a reference, so their credibility is not low,” Xuan Kun affirmed. “Moreover, the Holy Ancestor also indicated that our clan needs to change its strategy and seek Nascent Soul combat power to cope with future changes.”

Hearing that even the Holy Ancestor of the Mountain had expressed his opinion, everyone had no more doubts.

"Since there is an opportunity, we should fight for it with all our might!" Xuan Lie, another fiery-tempered elder who was a fake infant, shouted. "I have less than thirty years left to live. Rather than sit and wait to die, I would rather fight to the death! We must take down the Fu family!"

"Yes! Take down the Fu family and seize the opportunity!"

Many Golden Core elders, especially those who were also facing bottlenecks or lifespan pressures, chimed in, their voices filled with fervor.

However, some calm observers have raised concerns.

"Chief, the Vermilion Bird Tribe harbors wolfish ambitions and has colluded with the Joyful Sect. If we get involved, won't we be used as pawns? In that case, we'll suffer heavy losses, and the opportunity will fall into their hands. Wouldn't that be a great injustice?" a relatively young late-stage Golden Core elder said worriedly.

Chief Xuan Turtle nodded; this was one of the reasons he had gathered everyone.

“That makes sense.” He looked around at everyone, his voice steady. “We are participating for the sake of opportunity and for the future of our tribe, not to be pawns for the Vermilion Bird Tribe. Therefore, we must not venture deep into enemy territory alone, much less be the first to fight the Fu family to the death.”

A glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes:
"What we need to do is to leverage the prestige and resources of my Xuan Turtle tribe to proactively contact and win over more tribes that have grudges against the Fu family or are interested in the blessed land! We need to muddy the waters and expand the alliance! Only when there are enough participating forces, forming an overwhelming force, can we catch the Fu family off guard at the lowest cost and fastest speed, leaving them unable to attend to both ends!"

"At that time, our Xuan Turtle Tribe, as an important initiator and backbone force, will naturally have sufficient say in the distribution of spoils. That Nascent Soul opportunity must also be shared by our tribe!"

"The chief is wise!" The elders nodded in agreement.

"Good!" Seeing that everyone agreed, Xuan Kun immediately gave the order, "Elders Xuan Shi and Xuan Lie, you two are responsible for contacting the 'Blackwater Tribe' and 'Rock Tribe,' which are on good terms with us. The rest of the elders, each perform your duties, organize the war preparations, and secretly mobilize manpower and supplies. Remember, everything must be done in secret. Before the alliance is formed, there must be no leaks!"

"Yes, Chief!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

...

...

Several days later, Chief Xuan Kun of the Xuan Turtle tribe quietly left the tribe, taking only two trusted elders with him, and secretly went to the territory of another great hidden tribe in the Eastern Wilderness—the Fire Phoenix tribe.

Similar to the Xuan Turtle Tribe, the Fire Phoenix Tribe also adheres to the ancestral precept of not competing or fighting, but focusing on development. Their tribe is located in a basin surrounded by a group of active volcanoes, and their buildings are mostly constructed with red stone and spirit wood, with a fiery and ancient style.

Thanks to the long-standing friendly relationship between the two tribes, Xuan Kun and his group were secretly led into the core forbidden area of ​​the Fire Phoenix Tribe—Phoenix Perch Valley.

The temperature inside the valley was significantly higher than outside, and the air was filled with the smell of sulfur and fire spirit.

Beneath a massive, flame-like phoenix tree, the chieftain of the Fire Phoenix tribe, a middle-aged woman in a red robe with flame-like markings between her brows, received Chief Xuan Kun of the Black Tortoise tribe.

"Fellow Daoist Xuankun, what brings you to visit me in secret?"

Chief Fengyin of the Fire Phoenix Clan asked directly. She had known Xuan Kun for hundreds of years and knew that he would never come in such secrecy unless it was something extremely important.

Without much small talk, Xuan Kun immediately set up a soundproof barrier and revealed everything about the Fu family's "Water Cloud Cave Heaven" and "Nascent Soul Opportunity," as well as the movements of the Vermilion Bird Tribe and the Joyful Sect, and even his own Holy Ancestor's prophecy about the "Great Calamity Beyond the Heavens" and his decision to change strategies.

Even though Feng Yin was a chieftain with a calm and composed nature, she couldn't hide her shock after hearing the story, and her breathing became a little rapid.

"A chance to reach the Nascent Soul stage... a great calamity from beyond the heavens..." she murmured to herself, her eyes flashing intensely.

She pondered for a moment and said to Xuan Kun:

"This matter is of utmost importance, Fellow Daoist Xuankun, please follow me."

Fengyin led Xuankun to the true core forbidden area of ​​the Fire Phoenix Tribe—the Earth's Core Lava Cave. The scorching heat almost ignited the air. In the center of the lava lake, on a huge crimson crystal, perched a magnificent fire phoenix, its entire body ablaze with pale golden flames. It was not as large as the old black tortoise, but the pressure emanating from its body was equally at the Nascent Soul level, its eyes sharp, carrying the majesty of the king of birds.

This is none other than the Flame Phoenix, the guardian spirit beast of the Fire Phoenix Tribe!
Facing Yan Huang, Xuan Kun bowed respectfully and reiterated his purpose.

Upon hearing this, Yan Huang let out a clear and melodious phoenix cry, which resonated directly in the minds of the two:
"My old friend Xuan Gui's premonition... corroborates my recent unease. It seems that the great calamity is not just a rumor."

Its fiery eyes swept over Xuan Kun and Feng Yin:

"Our Fire Phoenix clan has been dormant for too long, its brilliance concealed. If a great calamity is imminent, we must be determined to advance and cultivate our Nascent Souls in order to protect our clan and gain a chance of survival in this chaotic world. That opportunity to cultivate a Nascent Soul is worth the gamble."

It received Yan Huang's approval.

She immediately summoned several veteran powerhouses from the tribe who were also nearing the end of their lives and had been stuck in the False Infant Realm for hundreds of years.

After explaining the reason.

"With such an opportunity before us, how can we miss it! These old bones of mine are just waiting for a chance to burn, so let's fight for the tribe one last time!" an old man with skin as dry and cracked as tree bark roared, his eyes burning with an almost insane flame.

"That's right! Rather than sitting and waiting to die, we should rise up and fight! The Fu family? Hmph, those who stand in my way will all be reduced to ashes!" Another hot-tempered old woman had sparks flying around her.

"Very well!" Chief Fengyin solemnly declared, "Since all the elders have made up their minds, my Fire Phoenix Tribe will stand together with the Black Tortoise Tribe! This time, we will definitely join forces to take down the Fu family and seize that Nascent Soul opportunity!"

(End of this chapter)