Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 493 Slaying the Golden Core, Turning Against Each Other, Seeking Justice

Master Yun, enraged, laughed. With a thought, a gray pill rose from his dantian. The pill's surface was covered with strange patterns, and its appearance immediately caused a surge of spiritual energy within a hundred miles.

"Youngster, let me show you the weight of a thousand years of cultivation!"

He bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the pill.

In an instant, the pill transformed into nine gray shadows, each of which resembled Master Yun and each made different hand seals as they rushed towards Fu Changsheng.

This is precisely the ultimate technique of the Joyful Sect.

Each clone possesses 70% of the original's strength.

Fu Changsheng's pupils contracted sharply, and he immediately put on the Shadow Gate mask.

The moment the mask covered her face.

His aura vanished abruptly, and his form became blurred. The nine gray shadows lost their target and scattered haphazardly in mid-air.

“A trifle!”

Master Yun sneered and formed the "Breaking Illusion Seal" with both hands.

The nine clones opened their mouths simultaneously and spewed out pink mist.

Wherever the mist passed, even the space itself rippled, forcing Fu Changsheng, who was in a concealed state, to reveal his true form.

Fu Changsheng remained calm and composed, and the lotus lantern in his hand shone brightly with a blue light.

As the lamp spun, seven blue lotuses bloomed, completely protecting him. The pink mist collided with the lotuses, hissing, but could not break through.

"You old scoundrel, it's my turn!"

Fu Changsheng pointed his sword, and the Lotus Lantern suddenly disintegrated, transforming into seventy-two jade flying swords that poured down like a torrential rain.

Master Yun's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly summoned back his three clones to protect himself.

boom!
The throwing knife collided with the clone, unleashing a series of deafening explosions.

When the smoke and dust cleared, Master Yun's Taoist robe was torn, and a large piece of flesh had been cut off his left arm.

"Good! Very good!"

Enraged, Master Yun's remaining six clones suddenly merged into one, transforming into a blood-red longsword. The moment he grasped the hilt, his aura surged, and he briefly broke through the shackles of the mid-stage Golden Core realm.

hum!
The entire cave trembled as the blood-red longsword fell.

Fu Changsheng dared not take the attack head-on, so he activated the spatial teleportation ability of the Lotus Lantern and instantly appeared ten feet away.

boom!
Where they had stood, a bottomless chasm was slowly healing—this strike had actually cleaved through space!

"You little bastard, let's see how many times you can dodge!"

Master Yun grinned maliciously, his sword stance shifting, unleashing thousands of sword shadows like a tidal wave. Each strike was accompanied by a piercing, ghostly wail, chilling to the bone.

Fu Changsheng fought and retreated, secretly urging the Spirit Devouring Array to operate at full power.

Whoosh whoosh!
Suddenly, countless transparent tentacles emerged from the ground and wrapped around Master Yun's legs with lightning speed.

The old demon froze, his spiritual energy leaking out like a burst dam:

"Oops!"

Most of his magical power was instantly devoured, leaving him with only the power of an early-stage Golden Core cultivator. He immediately dared not hold back, and his withered fingers suddenly formed a hand seal.

hum!
A bronze seal suddenly flew out from his waist.

It grew to the size of a mountain in the air.

The four ancient seal characters "Joyful Zen Seal" on the bottom of the seal shone brightly with blood, and countless lewd illusions of men and women engaging in intercourse gushed out, instantly transforming the entire cave into a sea of ​​desire.

"What magic weapon is this?!"

Before the ancient seal even arrived, Fu Changsheng felt his soul tremble, his emotions and desires churning like boiling water. He quickly lit the Lotus Lantern in front of him, and the Lotus Lantern shone brightly with azure light. As the chaotic energy flowed, all illusions melted away like snow meeting boiling oil. Nine azure lotuses surrounded his body, allowing him to withstand the seal strike that was powerful enough to flatten mountains.

"boom--"

The shockwave pulverized the surrounding stone walls, and Fu Changsheng used the force to retreat ten feet, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"You little beast, kneel down and beg for mercy now, hand over the Mountain and River Suppressing Clan Cauldron, and acknowledge me as your master. If I'm in a good mood, I might spare your life!"

Seeing this, Master Yun grinned maliciously and pressed his advantage, forming a strange hand seal. Blood suddenly seeped from the pores of his body, condensing into twelve blood-red swastikas in the air.

Ding Ding Ding!
Fu Changsheng's sword energy struck the blood talisman, but it vanished without a trace.

"Blood Zen Reversal Technique?!" Fu Changsheng's pupils shrank suddenly.

This is a forbidden technique of the Joyful Sect, which forcibly enhances cultivation at the cost of shortening one's lifespan. Master Yun's white hair turned black, his wrinkles disappeared, and in an instant, he rejuvenated, transforming into a handsome young man.

"You've made me use this trick; you should be proud of yourself. Don't worry, I'll take good care of your wife and daughters."

Master Yun's voice became clear and melodious, and thirty-six golden rings flew out from his sleeve.

Each gold ring is engraved with meditative images of joy, and when they collide, they emit seductive sounds that bewitch the mind.

A net of gold rings covered the area.

Ding Ding Ding!
Fu Changsheng swung his sword repeatedly, only to find that the golden rings were ever-changing, splitting into two as soon as he shattered one. Seeing that he was about to be imprisoned, he suddenly threw the Lotus Lantern above his head. The wick separated, casting a clear light to heal his injuries. At the same time, he formed hand seals, and his Chaos Golden Core circulated at full power.

"break!"

A chaotic pillar of light shot into the sky.

There was a click.

A gap was torn in the golden ring net.

Just as Fu Changsheng was about to break free, a pink lotus platform suddenly appeared beneath his feet, and countless soft, boneless arms stretched out from the lotus petals, tightly binding his legs.

"Kid, you're still too green."

Master Yun sneered, and a short bone flute appeared in his hand.

As soon as the flute music started, suction cups sprouted from those arms, frantically draining Fu Changsheng's vital energy. Even more terrifying, numerous erotic illusions appeared in his sea of ​​consciousness, causing even the circulation of his golden core to become sluggish.

"Master, be careful!"

Qiu Niang's voice suddenly rang out. The Five Elements Space opened on its own, and a beam of clear light entered Fu Changsheng's sea of ​​consciousness, helping him to stabilize his mind.

Master Yun was shocked upon seeing this: "A spirit within a weapon?!"

He never expected that the other party would possess such a valuable treasure.

In the instant he was distracted, the ground suddenly lit up with dazzling array patterns—the "Five Elements Spirit Locking Array" that Qiu Niang had secretly set up had finally been activated!
boom!
Five pillars of light, representing the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, shot into the sky, trapping Master Yun in the center.

"Damn little beast!"

He never expected that Fu Changsheng, that short-lived devil, would display skills no less than his own, a veteran Golden Core cultivator, even though he had only just formed his Golden Core.

"I can't die here!"

The old demon swung his sword wildly, only to find that each strike was like a mud ox sinking into the sea, its power dispersed and dissipated by the great formation. Moreover, as time passed, his magical power was almost completely devoured.

"it's over."

Fu Changsheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and the Lotus Lantern reassembled itself. He held the lamp up with both hands, and the blue lotus at the wick slowly bloomed:
"The Lotus Lantern - Purifying the World!"

A beam of pure, bluish light shone from the lamp wick.

The three defensive magic treasures that Master Yun hastily summoned shattered one after another, and the azure light penetrated his dantian without any hindrance.

"No, no... no, young friend Fu, stop! Just tell me what you want, and I will do my best to satisfy you. I might even... I might even acknowledge you as my master."

talking.

With a thud, the old demon knelt down on both knees, begging for mercy repeatedly. As long as he could save his life, he could always fight another day.

however.

Fu Changsheng, however, was not tempted in the slightest.

The azure light continued its rapid pace, piercing directly through his dantian, causing spiderweb-like cracks to appear in his golden core.

"Fine, fine, since you won't let me live, then let's die together!" Blood flowed from Master Yun's seven orifices as he suddenly pulled out a blood-red pill and swallowed it. His body rapidly expanded, as if he was about to self-destruct his golden core!

"ban!"

Qiu Niang let out a sharp cry, and a wisp of Five Elements spatial power descended from the sky.

This is because, after the Five Elements Space was upgraded, Qiu Niang's control over the Five Elements Space has become much deeper as her strength has increased.

hum!
The five-colored light transformed into chains, binding Master Yun layer by layer.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Fu Changsheng slashed down with his sword, and the cracked golden core shattered instantly.

"Do not!!!"

Master Yun staggered backward, the light in his eyes quickly fading.

In the final moments of his life, he vaguely saw his long life unfold before him—

Seven hundred years ago.

In the verdant valley, the morning mist had not yet dissipated. A thin, small boy, barefoot, trudged through the damp grass, clutching a handful of freshly picked wild fruit. His clothes were tattered, but his eyes shone brightly like stars as he looked up at the streaks of light flashing across the horizon.

"Ayun! Come back quickly! There are monsters in the mountains!" The mother called out anxiously from afar.

The boy didn't move, just stared blankly. The streaks of light drew closer and closer, finally hovering above his head. An old man in a brocade Taoist robe descended from the sky, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the boy before revealing a smile.

"Your spiritual root is quite good. Would you be willing to cultivate with me?"

The boy nodded blankly, and before he could even say goodbye to his mother, he was taken away on the flying sword. The mountain wind howled, and when he looked back, he saw his mother stumbling after him, her figure growing smaller and smaller until she finally disappeared into the clouds.

That was the last time he saw his mother.

Five hundred years ago.

Inside the Joyful Clan, candlelight flickered.

"Senior brother, this cup of wine is for you." Master Yun raised his wine cup, his smile gentle.

The middle-aged Taoist opposite him laughed heartily and downed his drink. They were fellow disciples who had cultivated together since childhood. His senior brother treated him like a younger brother, and even deliberately lost to him in the sect's grand competitions on several occasions, just so that he could get more resources.

But tonight, this cup of wine has been laced with a "soul-stealing drug".

After drinking it, the senior brother's face changed drastically. He clutched his throat and stared at him in disbelief: "You...why..."

Master Yun watched him fall silently, his eyes showing no emotion.

"Senior brother, if you don't die, how can the sect leader's daughter marry me?"

Four hundred years ago.

"Father! Look, I've learned to fly on a sword!"

A child of about ten years old was hovering precariously in mid-air, riding a flying sword, his face flushed with excitement.

Master Yun stood to the side, a rare smile appearing on his face. This was his most beloved son, exceptionally talented, even more outstanding than he had been at his age.

But on that very night, he discovered a secret technique in an ancient book—the "Nine Yang Sacred Body." His son was the perfect vessel for this technique, and if he were to absorb his son's foundation, he could hope to form his own core.

He sat there all night, tapping his fingertips on the table, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

At daybreak, he pushed open his son's bedroom door.

……

just now.

Master Yun knelt on the ground, his golden core shattered and his spiritual power dissipated. Seven hundred years of memories flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

He recalled the trembling he felt when he killed for the first time, the triumphant feeling he had when he married the sect leader's daughter, and the countless nights when his son looked at him with the last look in his eyes—not fear, but confusion.

"Father...why?"

His hand trembled slightly at that moment, but he didn't stop.

"So...this is what my life has been like..."

He looked down at his withered hands, which were covered in blood, blood that could not be washed away.

"It's all...filthy..."

If we could do it again…

Before he could finish speaking, his body disintegrated inch by inch, turning into ashes and dissipating in the wind.

A legendary villain has fallen.

at the same time.

Master Yun's soul left his body, transforming into a hazy gray phantom with a distorted face, emitting a shrill scream.

"Fu Changsheng! You killed my physical body and destroyed my golden core! You just wait, I will make sure your soul is annihilated!"

With a sudden struggle, he broke free from the Five Elements Spirit Locking Array and transformed into a gust of yin wind, fleeing madly towards the outside of the cave.

Fu Changsheng snorted coldly, and the blue light of the Lotus Lantern in his hand rose again. The flame at the wick suddenly transformed into a large blue hand, reaching out to grab Yun Zhenren's soul.

“Want to escape?”

Master Yun's soul was moving at an extremely fast speed, and he was about to rush out of the cave when suddenly a crack appeared in the void, and an extremely cold aura spread out.

"The Gate to the Underworld?!" Master Yun was utterly horrified. He tried to turn around, but it was too late.

Fu Changsheng formed hand seals and uttered a low chant: "Netherworld Guidance, Heavenly Dragon Soul Suppression!"

"boom--"

The crevice suddenly widened, transforming into a deep, dark passage. At the end of the passage, an ancient temple could be vaguely seen, with ferocious dragon-shaped stone statues standing on both sides of the temple. Their eyes were scarlet, as if they were living creatures gazing at the outside world.

"No--!"

Master Yun's soul was pulled by an invisible force and forcibly dragged into the Netherworld Passage.

……

The Underworld, the Temple of the Heavenly Dragon.

The temple is dark and deep inside, with countless ancient murals carved on the walls on both sides, depicting evil spirits being punished, demons being subdued, and gods descending to earth to suppress evil.

In the very center of the temple stands a coiled dragon statue, its head bowed, its eyes half-open, seemingly asleep yet radiating a suffocating aura of power.

Master Yun's soul was forcibly dragged into the temple. As soon as he landed, he looked around in terror.

"Where...is this place?!"

He tried to gather his soul power, but found that his soul power was suppressed by some kind of rule and he could not use it at all.

Just now.

The divine light surrounding the Heavenly Dragon statue trembled slightly with a hum, and several beams of light instantly locked onto him.

hum!
The mural on the left side of the temple suddenly lit up, and a distorted ghostly figure appeared on the previously blank wall.

"This is... the soul of the Yin Puppet Old Ghost!"

But they saw that Yin Kui Zhenren was sealed in the mural, his face was ferocious, but he could not move and could only let out a silent roar.

Master Yun panicked and became afraid.

What on earth did he offend?!

this moment.

He was filled with remorse. If he had another chance, he would never have made an enemy of Fu Changsheng.

however.

It's too late for regrets!
The murals on the right side of the temple also began to move, and the outline of Yun Zhenren gradually emerged in the blank space.

"No! No! Let me out!"

Master Yun struggled frantically, but his soul was uncontrollably devoured by the mural, eventually freezing on the wall, forming an opposing stance with Master Yin Kui on the left and right.

Silence returned to the temple.

Only the two divine souls depicted on the murals on either side continue to roar and struggle silently, yet they can never break free.

Just now.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in Fu Changsheng's sea of ​​consciousness:
"Ding"

"You have killed a Golden Core cultivator from the far west, gaining 10,000 Imperial Merit Points, and your family contribution points have been increased to 30,000."

Fu Changsheng's gaze sharpened, and with a wave of his hand, the storage bag left behind by Master Yun flew into his palm. The storage bag was dark red all over, with intricate Zen-like patterns embroidered on its surface. It felt heavy in his hand, clearly containing a treasure trove within.

"This place is not safe to stay for long."

He whispered something, scanned the surroundings with his divine sense, and after confirming that there were no other ambushes, immediately activated the Lotus Lantern.

A great burst of blue light.

The Lotus Lantern transformed into a stream of light and enveloped him.

In a flash, he appeared a hundred feet away.

It was moved several times in succession.

In the blink of an eye, they were dozens of miles away from Ghost Cry Abyss.

"Master, there might be a tracking restriction on that storage bag," Qiu Niang's voice rang in his mind.

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng immediately put the storage bag into the Five Elements Space, which Qiu Niang temporarily isolated using the power of space.

Joyful Sect, Soul Palace.

Inside the dimly lit hall, tens of thousands of soul lamps burned silently, each representing the life of a sect cultivator. Suddenly, a bronze lamp on the third floor shook violently, its flame turning from blue to red before finally going out with a "poof".

"How...how is this possible?!" Elder Liu, who was guarding the Soul Hall, suddenly stood up, his face full of horror. He trembled as he took down the extinguished soul lamp, and the character "Yun" was clearly engraved on the bottom of the lamp base.

"Junior Brother Yun's life lamp has gone out!"

Elder Liu dared not delay and immediately crushed the communication jade talisman in his hand.

A moment later, a golden beam of light pierced through the air and transformed into a middle-aged man dressed in a purple-gold Daoist robe. This man had a dignified face and eyes as sharp as lightning; he was none other than the current sect leader of the Joyful Sect—Master Joyful Venerable.

"Sect Leader, Junior Brother Yun..." Elder Liu bowed respectfully, his voice trembling.

Master Huanxi raised his hand to interrupt, his gaze fixed on the extinguished soul lamp with a somber expression. He reached out and summoned the soul lamp into his palm, from which a wisp of residual soul energy was extracted, transforming in the air into the blurry image of Master Yun before his death.

"The Golden Core shattered, the soul and spirit annihilated." Master Huanxi frowned deeply. "Who possesses such ability?" He turned to look outside the hall: "Send word to the Elder of the Intelligence Hall!"

Soon, a Crimson Fairy dressed in a gray robe strode in and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Senior Brother Sect Leader."

"Report on Elder Yun's recent whereabouts immediately," said Venerable Huanxi in a cold tone.

The Crimson Serpent Fairy dared not delay and immediately replied, "Reporting to Senior Brother Sect Leader, Junior Brother Yun mentioned that he would keep his appointment with Abbess Qiuyue and go to Ghost Cry Abyss. Furthermore..." She hesitated for a moment, "...for the past few decades, Junior Brother Yun has been investigating the affairs of the Fu family of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

"The Fu family?" Master Xuan Yin frowned. "That newly promoted sixth-rank aristocratic family in Wuzhou?"

“Indeed,” Fairy Chilian lowered her voice, “but news came from Wuzhou half a month ago that the Fu family patriarch, Fu Changsheng, had been possessed by the Yin Puppet Master, and the Fu family is currently holding a mass mourning ceremony.”

In other words.

This matter is mostly unrelated to the Fu family.

Master Huanxi's gaze was as cold as water: "Junior Brother Yun is at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, and he's protected by the Joyful Zen Seal. Whoever could kill him is no ordinary person. Either they possess a great treasure, or they have someone backing them."

"Should we inform the Supreme Elder?" Elder Liu asked cautiously.

Master Huanxi shook his head: "Our ancestor is currently in seclusion; let's not disturb him for now." A calculating glint flashed in his eyes. "First, send someone to Ghost Cry Abyss to investigate. At the same time, contact the Joyful Union Sect and the Yin-Yang Sect, saying that our sect is willing to offer three 'Bliss Pills' in exchange for definitive information about the murder of Junior Brother Yun."

"This Bliss Pill is a priceless treasure of our sect!" Elder Liu said with heartache.

"Foolish!" Venerable Huanxi coldly retorted, "If we can find out the cause of Junior Brother Yun's death and obtain that possible treasure, what is a mere Bliss Pill?"

He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds outside the hall, his voice growing colder: "Remember, the Joyful Sect always prioritizes stability in its actions. Do not act rashly before fully understanding the opponent's strength. But—" a cold glint flashed in his eyes—"once the target is identified, we must strike with lightning speed, eliminating any future threat!"

"Yes!" Elder Liu bowed and accepted the order.

Master Huanxi added, "Send people to confirm the whereabouts of Abbess Qiuyue of Qiuyue Nunnery. Furthermore, send elite disciples to the Great Zhou to confirm whether Fu Changsheng has truly been possessed."

After Elder Liu left, Venerable Huanxi stood alone in the center of the Soul Hall, gazing at True Person Yun's extinguished Soul Lamp, muttering to himself, "If Fu Changsheng was truly your doing, I'd like to see just what you're capable of."

After saying that, he flickered and transformed into a golden light, disappearing from the main hall.

Meanwhile, in the forbidden area behind the Joyful Sect.

Suddenly, crimson patterns lit up an ancient stone tablet, and a line of characters slowly appeared on its surface:
"When the clouds disperse, calamity begins."

From deep within the stone tablet, a faint sigh drifted out before fading into silence.

...

Qiuyue Temple, quiet room.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense. Abbess Qiuyue sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, the prayer beads sliding one by one through her fingers. Suddenly, her brow twitched, and a strange unease rose in her heart.

"Master, there are people from the Joyful Sect outside the nunnery requesting an audience," the young nun whispered from outside the door.

Master Qiuyue paused in her prayer beads, a complex look flashing in her eyes. "Take them to the side hall."

Inside the side hall, three disciples of the Joyful Sect stood with solemn expressions. Leading them was a female cultivator at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, none other than Fairy Chi Lian. Upon seeing Abbess Qiu Yue enter, she nodded slightly: "Fellow Daoist Qiu Yue, I apologize for disturbing you."

Master Qiuyue sat down with a cold expression: "What is it?"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy sighed softly, "Junior Brother Yun's life lamp has gone out."

"What?!" The teacup in Master Qiuyue's hand shattered on the floor, shards of porcelain flying everywhere. She abruptly stood up, her wide sleeves billowing even without wind. "When did this happen?"

"Just a few days ago," Fairy Chilian said, her gaze fixed on Abbess Qiuyue's expression, "Junior Brother Yun's last message said he was going to Ghost Cry Abyss at a fellow Daoist's invitation."

Master Qiuyue's face turned deathly pale, her nails digging deeply into her palms. It was her, she forced Master Yun to go! If she hadn't provoked him with the old story, Master Yun wouldn't have wanted to join forces with Master Yin Kui.
"The nun seems quite shocked?" Fairy Chilian narrowed her eyes. "Could it be that the nun knows something?"

Master Qiuyue forced herself to remain calm: "I just didn't expect that Master Yun's cultivation was so profound, how could he..." Her voice trembled slightly as a terrible thought flashed through her mind—Fu Changsheng wasn't dead! That possession was nothing but a trap!

The Crimson Serpent Fairy rose to take her leave: "If there is any news regarding Junior Brother Yun, please inform our sect immediately."

After the people from the Joyful Sect left, Abbess Qiuyue staggered back to her meditation room, unable to maintain her composure any longer. Trembling, she took out a yellowed jade pendant from her sleeve—the token of love that Master Yun had given her years ago.

“Yunlang,” she murmured softly, tears silently streaming down her face.

Memories came flooding back.

Three hundred years ago, at a Dharma exchange ceremony between the Joyful Sect and the Autumn Moon Nunnery, she met Master Yun for the first time. At that time, he was elegant and refined, dressed in white robes that were as pure as snow, standing out like a crane among chickens among the cultivators. His speech was extraordinary, and his understanding of Buddhist principles was even more profound than that of many eminent monks.

"My name is Yun Yi, and I greet you, Abbess." He smiled slightly, his eyes seeming to sparkle like stars.

She should have been calm and composed, but at that moment she lost her composure.

Later, they often met in the bamboo grove behind the temple. He taught her the secret methods of the Joyful Sect, and she explained Buddhist scriptures to him. Those days were the happiest time in her spiritual practice.

until that day.

She pushed open his door and saw him entangled with two female disciples.
"Yunyi! You—" She trembled with anger.

Master Yun, however, calmly put on his outer robe: "Why must you be angry, Master? The dual cultivation of Yin and Yang is simply a method of cultivation in our sect."

"Shameless!" She slapped him across the face and turned to leave.

Three months later, she discovered she was pregnant.

That child was Lin Qingxin.

Master Qiuyue wiped away her tears, a flame of hatred gradually igniting in her eyes. Her daughter had died at the hands of Fu Changsheng, and now Master Yun had too.
"Fu Changsheng!" she gritted her teeth, her nails digging into her palms until they bled. "I'll make you pay with your blood!"

Meanwhile, within the Joyful Sect.

Master Huanxi frowned as he looked at the recording stone brought back by Fairy Chilian. The recording stone contained the unusual reaction of Abbess Qiuyue upon hearing the news of Master Yun's death.

“There’s something wrong with her,” Master Huanxi said coldly. “Send people to keep an eye on Qiuyue Nunnery, especially on Abbess Qiuyue’s every move.”

"Does the sect leader suspect that Abbess Qiuyue harmed Junior Brother Yun?" Elder Liu asked cautiously.

Master Huanxi shook his head: "No, she doesn't have that ability. But she must know something." A glint of light flashed in his eyes, "The last person Junior Brother Yun saw before he died was her; this is no coincidence."

What about the Fu family?

"Continue the investigation," Master Huanxi said in a deep voice. "If Fu Changsheng is truly not dead, then Master Yinkui is likely in grave danger. Having just successfully formed his core, he was able to kill two Golden Core cultivators in succession; this young man must possess a powerful treasure. We will spare no effort to keep this scoundrel Fu Changsheng in the far west!"

If Fu Changsheng returns to the Great Zhou.

Even if they have long arms, they probably won't be able to do anything to the other side. At that time, Fu Changsheng will truly be free to fly high in the sky!
...

...

Wuzhou, Huizhou Prefecture.

Inside the Fu family's main hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, and hundreds of ever-burning lamps illuminated the empty coffin in the center. The coffin was carved with intricate cloud patterns, but there was no body inside.

Only Liu Meizhen and her daughter Fu Yongxuan were inside.

With a light tap of her fingertip, Liu Meizhen activated eighteen layers of soundproofing barriers, completely isolating the interior from the exterior:

"Mother, this is..."

Fu Yongxuan's heart tightened.

Liu Meizhen didn't speak, but instead waved her sleeve, and a memory bean pod floated in front of her. She tapped it lightly with her fingertip, and the bean pod slowly unfolded, projecting a light screen into the center of the hall.

In the light screen, Tianluomen cultivators surged towards the protective array of Xuanxiao Mountain like a tide. Just as the battle was at its most intense, a blurry black shadow appeared at the edge of the screen—it was Yin Kui Zhenren! He sneaked into a hidden cave on the outskirts of the forbidden area behind Fu Changsheng's secluded cultivation, clearly having planned it beforehand.

"this…"

Fu Yongxuan suddenly stood up.

According to the image pod, Yin Kui Zhenren had clearly infiltrated Xuanxiao Mountain long ago. Fu Yongxuan suddenly remembered something.

I looked up at the bean pod where the photo was taken.

But then the scene changed.

Li Wanhu led the Zhenshi Division's men to "investigate".

He held the Sky-Gazing Mirror and circled the mountain. The mirror clearly showed a warning, but Li Wanhu ignored it and instead lied to Fu Yongxuan, saying that there was nothing unusual.

"The place indicated by that red light is clearly where the Yin Puppet is hiding. That treacherous Li Wanhu knew there was an enemy lurking there but didn't inform us. He's clearly colluding with outsiders to murder my father!"

“Mother, Li Wanhu, as the commander of the Zhenshi Division, knowingly broke the law, and his crime is doubled. If it weren't for him, Father wouldn't have been kidnapped by Yin Kui Zhenren…”

Speaking of which.

Fu Yongxuan's eyes flashed.

Because her father was deliberately kidnapped, she did not believe the clan's claim that his life force had been extinguished.

Her eyes flickered:
"Mother, did Father plant these seed pods beforehand?!"

Liu Meizhen nodded with a smile.

Fu Yongxuan was incredibly clever, and he immediately realized that this was a grand scheme his father had devised, with the aim of seizing on Li Wanhu as leverage to impeach him!

My father is a genius who has condensed a first-grade golden core, and he is someone who has the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage!

The Great Zhou Dynasty would never allow Li Wanhu to settle personal scores under the guise of public duty.

Fu Yongxuan suddenly became excited:

"Mother, what do you want me to do?"

“Li Wanhu has been entrenched in the court for many years. If we want to bring him down, this photograph alone, along with the efforts of the two of us, is definitely not enough. Yongxuan, go back to the Luo family and find Senior Luo. Ask her to help us go to the Imperial Divine Bureau in Wuzhou.”

"Don't worry, Mother, I will definitely persuade my godmother."

"Um"

Liu Meizhen nodded slightly.

There was a pause.

Then he said:
"I will depart for Jinzhou in three days, ostensibly to purchase materials for alchemy. Remember, you must not reveal the matter of the 'Photograph Pod' to anyone except Senior Luo."

"Mother is going to find Cao..." Fu Yongxuan was about to say when he suddenly realized something and quickly changed his words to a telepathic message: "Cao Xiang'er?"

Everyone knows she was her father's lover.

Cao Xiang'er has already formed her Golden Core, and the Cao family is a long-established fifth-grade Golden Core family, which is indeed a great help. However...
The news of his father's death is now widely known.

He lost his father.

Whether Cao Xiang'er is willing to persuade the Cao family to take action is another matter.

Liu Meizhen stood up and said, "No matter what the outcome, we have to try to know."

...

...

Jinzhou, the Cao family residence.

Liu Meizhen stood before the vermilion gate, gazing at the two characters "Cao Mansion" written in a flamboyant style on the plaque, and took a deep breath. Today, she had specially changed into an elegant dress, with only a white jade hairpin in her hair, making her appear dignified and graceful.

"Please inform the gatekeeper that Liu Meizhen of the Fu family in Wuzhou requests an audience with Master Cao." She bowed to the gatekeeper.

The cultivator sized her up and down, then said coldly, "A true cultivator is in seclusion and does not receive guests."

Liu Meizhen was not annoyed. She took out a jade slip from her sleeve: "Please present this to Master Cao, and she will understand."

The cultivator hesitated for a moment, but ultimately dared not delay and accepted the jade slip before entering the mansion.

Liu Meizhen waited outside the door for a full hour before the cultivator returned, handing the jade slip back to her untouched: "The True Man said he would not see you."

Liu Meizhen gripped the jade slip tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white. This jade slip contained her secret agreement with Cao Xiang'er from years ago, which Cao Xiang'er had returned without even glancing at it, her attitude quite clear.

But she couldn't give up.

Three days later, Liu Meizhen returned to the Cao residence. This time, she brought a five-hundred-year-old snow ginseng.

"Please tell Master Cao that Liu Meizhen wishes to present this item to him, asking only to see him."

After waiting for a long time, the cultivator brought back another rejection, even the snow ginseng was returned.

Liu Meizhen stood in front of the Cao family mansion, the setting sun casting a long shadow over her. She recalled the promise they made a hundred years ago.

Cao Xiang'er avoided seeing him.

It's likely that he's still harboring resentment over Yongqiang's disappearance. If he doesn't get over this, he might not be able to see him again.

Take a deep breath.

Liu Meizhen slowly knelt down.

"Liu Meizhen of the Fu family in Wuzhou requests an audience with Master Cao!" Her clear voice echoed throughout the entire street.

More and more onlookers gathered, and whispers rose and fell. The dignified matriarch of the Fu family was kneeling in front of the Cao residence—this was huge news.

Finally, the gates of the Cao residence slowly opened.

"Come in." A cold female voice came from inside the mansion.

The Cao family's reception room was magnificent, showcasing the heritage of an old and prestigious family. However, Liu Meizhen had no interest in appreciating it; her gaze was entirely drawn to the woman seated at the head of the table.

Cao Xiang'er wore a dark green dress, her hair styled in a high bun, her face even more exquisite and aloof than it had been a hundred years ago. The aura of a Golden Core cultivator emanated from her, faint yet palpable, making it impossible for anyone to look directly at her.

“Liu Meizhen,” Cao Xiang’er said coldly, “After a hundred years, you seem to have regressed. The dignified matriarch of the Fu family, kneeling before my door—aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”

Liu Meizhen remained composed and dignified: "Why should I fear what others say if I'm here to avenge my husband?"

"Heh." Cao Xiang'er sneered. "Speak, what do you want with me?"

Liu Meizhen took out the image-recording bean pod and explained the whole story, concluding solemnly, "Li Wanhu colluded with foreign traitors to murder Changsheng; the evidence is irrefutable. However, his power in the Zhenshi Division is immense, and the Fu family alone cannot shake him. I hope Master Cao will consider our past relationship and lend me a hand."

"What makes you think I'd help you?" Cao Xiang'er toyed with the jade pendant between her fingers, then suddenly sneered, "Just because of this? Or because of those two children?"

Liu Meizhen's heart tightened, but she showed no sign of it on her face: "Because Li Wanhu has gone too far in bullying people, because the Cao family and the Zhenshi Division have a long-standing feud, because..." She paused, "...because if Changsheng were alive, he would certainly not want to see you stand idly by."

"Ha." A cold glint flashed in Cao Xiang'er's eyes. "What a sharp tongue. Then let me ask you—"

She suddenly closed in, her golden core aura crushing like a mountain: "Yongfu and Yongqiang, have you treated them as your own children? Have you devoted all your resources to their upbringing?"

Liu Meizhen's face paled under the oppressive aura, yet she stood tall and straight: "Yongfu has married and had children, and both he and his Daoist partner have broken through to the Purple Mansion realm. Although Yongqiang has no spiritual roots, he has also embarked on the path of immortality, and his wife, Gan Muwan, is a core figure in the clan. I have a clear conscience."

"A clear conscience?" Cao Xiang'er suddenly burst into laughter, her voice filled with sarcasm. "What happened to Fu Yongqiang's spiritual root? Why was it removed? Why was he imprisoned for decades? And where is he now?"

Each question felt like a knife piercing Liu Meizhen's heart. Her hands trembled slightly, yet she maintained a facade of composure: "There's more to this than meets the eye."

"Hidden story?"

Cao Xiang'er suddenly slammed her hand on the stone table beside her, shattering it.
"Do you want to think that all of this is Yongqiang's own fault?"
Ask yourself honestly.

How did you take care of your triplets back then? You practically held them in your arms all the time, but what about my Yongfu and Yongqiang?
Let alone meticulous care.

You didn't even bother to ask a single question!

What do you think the child will think?
Yongqiang never felt a single bit of maternal love from you. He was abandoned at Wangyue Academy in his ancestral home when he was young, left to fend for himself.

When no spiritual root was detected.

I don't even get a word of concern from you.

Later, when he was able to embark on the path of immortality, he also struggled on his own without any guidance.

A person who grew up without any parental love has also experienced betrayal by the person they shared their bed with, the person they trusted most.

Just ask.

He drank a few more sips of wine and complained a few more times.

Are they really so sinful and unforgivable?

You must imprison him until he dies!

Is this what you promised me—to treat him like your own child?!

Liu Meizhen's expression changed.

How could Cao Xiang'er know so much?

The anger in Cao Xiang'er's eyes almost materialized:

"Liu Meizhen, Heaven is watching what people do."

She abruptly flung her sleeve and shouted, "Get out! I will avenge Changsheng. Tomorrow I will personally go to the Wuzhou Imperial Sacred Division as agreed, but I will have nothing more to do with you, you venomous woman!"

...

...

Wuzhou City, in front of the Imperial Divine Bureau.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, nine thunderous drumbeats erupted. The sound rolled across the sky like thunder, shaking the entire street's cobblestones. The golden-armored guards at the gate paled—this was the grievance drum, the grievance drum that hadn't been sounded for a century!
"Who is beating the drum?" the head guard shouted sternly.

Liu Meizhen, dressed in plain white, stood before the drum, holding a petition in her hand. Behind her stood Fu Yongxuan, dressed in pristine white, Luo Haitang with her Ice Soul Sword hanging at her waist, and Cao Xiang'er with her hands behind her back. The four women stood in a row, their imposing presence forcing the eight Purple Mansion Guards to retreat repeatedly.

"Liu Meizhen of the Fu family in Wuzhou has filed a lawsuit against Li Hu, the head of the Zhenshi Division, for colluding with foreign enemies and plotting to murder an official of the imperial court!" Liu Meizhen's clear voice echoed throughout the long street.

By this time, the street was already crowded with monks who had come after hearing the noise, and the discussions surged like a tide.

"The Fu family? Aren't they in the midst of a funeral?"

"I heard that Fu Changsheng has been possessed."

"Li Wanhu is a powerful figure in the Zhenshi Division."

The head guard, sweat beading on his forehead, knew he couldn't make a decision on such a serious matter: "Please wait a moment, everyone. I'll go and report right away."

"No need."

A majestic voice echoed from within the Divine Guard. The main gate swung open, and twelve silver-armored cultivators filed out, lining both sides. The last to emerge was a middle-aged man in a purple robe and jade belt, with a handsome face and piercing eyes.

"Your Excellency the Divine Envoy!" The guards all knelt down.

Liu Meizhen's heart skipped a beat. The Imperial Envoy, who held supreme judicial power in Wuzhou and was usually elusive, had actually come forward in person today!
The divine envoy's gaze swept over the four people, lingering briefly on Cao Xiang'er and Luo Haitang: "Please come inside for a detailed discussion."

The main hall of the Imperial Shrine is solemn and dignified.

The Divine Envoy sat high in the main seat, flanked by four Golden Core stage judges on each side. Below, Liu Meizhen and others stood on the right, while Li Wanhu, who had rushed over upon receiving the news, stood on the left, followed by two commanders of the Zhenshi Division.

Li Wanhu, dressed in his official robes, remained composed, even displaying a hint of helpless smile: "Madam Liu, I am deeply saddened by Fellow Daoist Fu's unfortunate encounter. But what makes you presume to accuse me of 'colluding with foreign enemies'?"

Liu Meizhen did not answer, but bowed deeply to the Imperial Envoy: "Please allow me to present the evidence, Your Excellency."

After receiving approval, she took out the vibrant green image-recording pod and activated it on the spot. The light and shadow projected into the air, clearly showing the scene when Li Wanhu searched with the Sky-Gazing Mirror, the mirror surface clearly glowing red, but he deliberately concealed it.

An uproar erupted in the hall.

"Lord Li, the place indicated by this red light is precisely where the Yin Puppet Master is hiding." Liu Meizhen's voice was calm, yet every word was piercing. "As the Commander of the Zhenshi Division, you discovered the traces of this evil cultivator but concealed them. What is your punishment?"

(End of this chapter)