Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 500 Killing Four Birds with One Stone: Territory Ownership and Fifth-Rank Golden Core

Tianluomen.

Huang Mingyuan knelt on the scorched earth, his trembling fingers tracing the remaining half of his son's clothing. The exquisite Huang family crest on that piece of clothing had been burned and blackened by the Netherworld Fire, just like his twisted heart at this moment.

“Li’er.” The voice he squeezed out was hoarse and inhuman.

Staggering footsteps sounded behind them as the five remaining Purple Mansion cultivators of the Huang family approached, supporting each other. Their faces were ashen, and their bodies bore horrific burns. The Third Elder, the most powerful among them, had his left arm severed at the shoulder; wisps of green flame flickered around the wound, still eroding his flesh.

"Second Brother," the Third Elder's voice trembled, "we...we lost fourteen Purple Mansion cultivators."

"Tianluomen," Huang Mingyuan squeezed out the three words through gritted teeth.

There was a commotion in the distance.

Several Huang family cultivators escorted dozens of Tianluomen disciples over. Most of these prisoners were seriously injured; some had broken arms, and others had their abdomens pierced by magical artifacts, with blood dripping from their trouser legs onto the ground.

"Second Elder, found him in the ruins." A Huang family cultivator kicked the foremost prisoner. "They were just small fry, probably hiding in the shadows trying to escape."

The prisoner knelt down with a thud, his forehead hitting the ground heavily: "Senior, spare my life! I am merely an outer disciple and have never participated in sect affairs!"

The other prisoners also knelt down, their cries and pleas for mercy filling the air.

Huang Mingyuan slowly stood up, his movements as stiff as a puppet. He walked to the first prisoner, looking down at the young cultivator who was only at the Foundation Establishment stage. The man's face was covered in blood, his eyes filled with fear and pleading.

“Raise your head,” Huang Mingyuan said softly.

The young cultivator looked up tremblingly, his lips shaking as if he wanted to say something. Suddenly, Huang Mingyuan reached out and pressed his hand on the top of his head, his five fingers digging deeply into his scalp like hooks.

"Second Brother!" the Third Elder exclaimed, "They've already surrendered, according to the rules of the cultivation world!"

"Rules?" Huang Mingyuan whirled around, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. "My son is dead! Many brothers are dead! You're talking to me about rules?!"

He unleashed a burst of spiritual power from his palm, and the young cultivator's head exploded like a ripe watermelon, splattering red and white matter all over the faces of the surrounding prisoners. Screams immediately echoed through the ruins.

Huang Mingyuan laughed. The laughter started softly, gradually grew manic, and finally turned into a heart-wrenching howl. He made a hand seal, and a yellowish-brown jade pendant at his waist shattered instantly.

"May they all be buried with my son!"

"boom--"

The ground shook violently, and countless sharp spikes burst forth from the earth, instantly turning dozens of prisoners into human skewers. Some were pierced in the abdomen, but did not die immediately, struggling futilely with their hands gripping the spikes; others were pierced in the throat, and blood gushed out like a fountain; still others were pierced through the genitals, emitting screams that were not human.

Huang Mingyuan stood in the middle of the pool of blood, bathed in the rain of blood, a morbid satisfaction on his face. He reached out and caught a drop of blood, watching it bloom in his palm, as if he saw his son's final moments.

“Not enough. Not enough,” he muttered to himself, his gaze turning to the distant library.

There were many more captured Tianluomen disciples there.

"Come with me to the Scripture Pavilion. I will collect the blood debt that the Tianluo Sect owes us, one by one!"

Huang Mingyuan strode towards the Scripture Pavilion, and with each step, spiderweb-like cracks spread beneath his feet. The surviving Huang family cultivators exchanged bewildered glances, and ultimately could only drag their injured bodies to follow.

They all knew that the Second Elder had gone mad.

...

...

Lei Yunjian stood on the ruins of the Tianluo Sect's main peak, his black robes soaked in blood, turning a dark red. His longsword still dripped blood, and at his feet lay the corpses of more than ten Tianluo Sect cultivators. In the distance, surviving Lei family cultivators were tallying the casualties; the air was thick with the stench of blood and the stench of death.

"Young Clan Chief," a Lei family cultivator staggered over, his left arm severed at the shoulder, wisps of black energy swirling around the wound. "The statistics are finished."

Lei Yunjian nodded expressionlessly: "Speak."

"Of the twenty Purple Mansion cultivators, twelve were killed, five were seriously injured, and only three are still capable of fighting," the cultivator's voice was hoarse. "Less than thirty percent of the Foundation Establishment disciples are still alive."

Lei Yunjian's grip on his sword tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white. These were all elites of the Lei family; training a Purple Mansion cultivator would take at least several hundred years of resources and effort.

"And the harvest?" he asked in a cold voice.

The cultivator lowered his head: "The Spirit Herb Garden was completely looted, the important scriptures in the Scripture Pavilion have vanished, and the Danxia Cave—" his voice trailed off even lower, "is now just scorched earth."

A cold glint flashed in Lei Yunjian's eyes: "The Condensing Essence Fruit?"

“We didn’t find it.” Cold sweat beaded on the cultivator’s forehead. “But we found a withered spiritual plant in the forbidden area. Judging from the marks, it was likely forcibly picked recently.”

Lei Yunjian closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again, his expression calm: "I understand. Go and heal your wounds."

After the cultivators withdrew, Lei Yunjian looked towards the Fu family's banners in the distance—those cultivators in black battle robes were almost unharmed, methodically taking over key locations throughout the Tianluo Sect. Meanwhile, the Lei family had paid a heavy price but gained nothing.

He murmured the name "Liu Meizhen," a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

Inside the central tent of the Lei family camp, the Lei patriarch was meditating with his eyes closed. Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the tent, and he abruptly opened his eyes, which flashed with lightning.

"Come in."

The curtain was lifted, and Lei Yunjian strode in, still carrying the lingering stench of blood.

Chief Lei's gaze swept over his blood-stained robes, his brow furrowing slightly: "What are the losses?"

"Twelve Purple Mansion disciples have perished, and seventy percent of Foundation Establishment disciples have been killed or injured." Lei Yunjian's voice was calm, as if he were talking about someone else's affairs.

Clan Chief Lei abruptly stood up, knocking over the table and spilling spirit tea all over the floor: "What?!" His face was ashen. "More than half of my Lei family's elite troops have been lost?!"

Lei Yunjian was silent for a moment: "The disciples of the Tianluo Sect are fearless and many have self-destructed to injure their enemies. The Huang family suffered even greater losses."

"The Huang family?" Clan Chief Lei sneered. "What does it matter to me if that bunch of trash dies?" He grabbed Lei Yunjian's shoulder. "Where's the Condensing Essence Fruit?"

Lei Yunjian shook his head: "The forbidden plant shows signs of being picked, but the fruit is gone."

"Luo Youde!" Clan Chief Lei gritted his teeth, smashing the sandalwood shelf beside him with a single blow. "That old thief must have absconded with the treasure!"

Lei Yunjian's eyes flickered slightly: "The 'Luo Youde' I encountered in the forbidden area was a double, using the Tianluo Sect's Substitution Technique. The real Luo Youde has most likely already escaped."

"Useless!" Chief Lei roared, his body crackling with lightning, tearing a rift in the top of the tent. "My Lei family has given their all, only to have it all go to waste!"

He whirled around, his eyes blazing with fury: "What about the Fu family? How much did they lose?"

Lei Yunjian's lips curled into a cold smile: "Zero."

"Zero?!" Chief Lei's voice suddenly rose. "They didn't lose a single soldier?!"

"Liu Meizhen is overseeing the rear, only sending Fu Yongqi and Gan Muwan to intercept and kill deserters on the perimeter." Lei Yunjian's tone was calm, but the coldness in his eyes deepened. "The main force consists entirely of ours and the Huang family's people."

Chief Lei, enraged, laughed coldly: "The Fu family! Liu Meizhen! Using our people as cannon fodder while they reap the benefits!"

Lei Yunjian watched silently as the clan leader vented his anger, waiting until he calmed down slightly before speaking: "In this battle, the Fu family not only successfully avenged themselves, but also captured the strategically important Tianluo Gate. More importantly," he paused, "...they have rendered meritorious service to the imperial court."

Clan Chief Lei's face was ashen. For cultivation families to advance in rank, besides strength, merit in the imperial court was equally important. The Fu family's battle had been a triple victory, while their Lei family had suffered heavy losses and gained nothing.

"Cloud Sword," Clan Chief Lei suddenly lowered his voice, "Do you really think Ning Yuan was taken away by Luo Youde?"

A sharp glint flashed in Lei Yunjian's eyes: "Most likely."

"Is it possible—?—the Fu family's possession?" Clan Chief Lei's eyes flickered.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the same suspicion in each other's eyes.

"We've searched everywhere for Luo Youde but can't find him. If Liu Meizhen could have known Luo Youde's escape route beforehand and ambushed and killed him," Lei Yunjian said slowly, "then..."

Chief Lei sneered, "Then this woman is truly terrifying." He strolled to the map hanging inside the tent. "Send word to have our spies investigate the Fu family's recent movements, especially Liu Meizhen's cultivation progress."

Lei Yunjian nodded: "I will arrange it."

"Furthermore," Chief Lei turned, a glint of lightning flashing in his eyes, "send another generous gift to the Prince's residence, asking him to urge the Zhenshi Division to hurry up. We need to advance to the sixth rank as soon as possible; who knows what other trouble that madwoman Liu Meizhen might cause!"

Lei Yunjian clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Understood."

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent, and a Lei family cultivator rushed in, flustered: "Clan leader! The Fu family has sent someone with a list of spoils of war, saying they'll be distributed according to the agreement."

Clan Chief Lei took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and was immediately enraged: "Bastard!" The jade slip turned to dust in his hand. "The Heavenly Luo Sect's thousand years of accumulation is only given to us worthless trash?!"

Lei Yunjian knew without even looking that the Fu family had kept all the most valuable treasures. The Tianluo Sect's resources had already been completely swept away by Sect Leader Luo, but he didn't care.

"Chieftain, there's plenty of time in the future."

...

...

On the main peak of Tianluo Sect, Liu Meizhen stood before the dilapidated sect leader's hall, her white robes as pure as snow, untouched by dust. Behind her stood three hundred Fu family cultivators in formation, their black battle robes fluttering in the wind, a stark contrast to the still-burning smoke of war in the distance.

"Yongqi," Liu Meizhen's voice was cold, "take one hundred men to guard the main entrance to the mountain and set up the 'Seven Star Spirit Locking Array.' No one is allowed to enter without permission."

Fu Yongqi clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, then turned and led his troops away.

"Mu Wan," Liu Meizhen continued, "take inventory of the storerooms and register battle merits. Those who died in battle will receive double the compensation, and those who made significant contributions can enter the 'Yunxiang Pavilion' to choose their martial arts techniques."

The breathing of the surrounding Fu family cultivators immediately became heavy. Yunxiang Pavilion was the Fu family's secret repository, containing the top-tier cultivation techniques collected by the family over the past hundred years. Usually, only direct descendants who had made great contributions were qualified to enter.

"The rest of you, each perform your duties. Get the protective array of Tianluo Mountain back in operation as quickly as possible."

As Gan Muwan received her order and withdrew, she heard Liu Meizhen's voice transmission: "Muwan, go to the forbidden area behind the mountain to meet a group of people. Remember, use the hidden channel."

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the main peak of Tianluo Mountain a crimson red. Liu Meizhen stood on the newly renovated star-gazing platform, her fingertips gently caressing a jade array disc. The mountain breeze ruffled her white robes, but could not dispel the deep thoughts that had settled in her eyes.

“Mother, Madam Yu has arrived.” Gan Muwan’s voice came from behind.

Liu Meizhen turned around and saw that the twelve array masters who were specifically responsible for constructing the teleportation array had already gathered. Yu Qingru, who was in the lead, had a bronze array plate hanging from her waist. Her brows and eyes showed a bit of the weather, but they could not hide her sharp and enterprising spirit.

"It's been seven or eight years since I last saw you, Qingru has become even more capable." Liu Meizhen's lips curled up slightly.

Yu Qingru bowed, her movements crisp and decisive: "The winds and sands of the Eastern Wilderness are harsh, but they have made my bones even stronger. However, compared to me, Mistress's cultivation is progressing by leaps and bounds, and the Golden Core stage is within reach."

Liu Meizhen chuckled and gestured for everyone to enter. Spiritual tea had already been prepared in the inner chamber of the observatory, and the luminous pearls embedded in the walls illuminated the room. She personally poured tea for each array master, and the atmosphere gradually eased as the fragrant aroma filled the air.

"Is the teleportation array at Tianlang Mountain operating smoothly?" Liu Meizhen asked directly.

Yu Qingru took out a jade scroll from her sleeve, tapped it lightly with her fingertip, and a light screen unfolded before everyone. The light screen displayed a complex and intricate array diagram, with countless runes flowing like stars.

"Reporting to Mistress, the teleportation array from Tianlang Mountain to Yunshan County has been operating stably for two months, capable of transporting thirty people at a time, and up to fifty under extreme conditions." Yu Qingru pointed to several key nodes on the light screen, "This is our improved 'Seven Stars Alignment' structure in the Eastern Wilderness, which saves 30% of spirit stones compared to traditional arrays."

A glint of light flashed in Liu Meizhen's eyes: "Good. How's your reconnaissance of the teleportation arrays between Tianluo Mountain and Huizhou Prefecture?"

Yu Qingru retracted the light screen and took out a magical artifact resembling a compass. As she infused it with spiritual power, the compass projected a three-dimensional phantom image of Tianluo Mountain, with several locations marked as red dots.

“The geological formations of Tianluo Mountain are unique, with three spiritual veins converging beneath the main peak. We suggest building the teleportation array in the ‘Hidden Dragon Valley’ on the southwest side,” Yu Qingru pointed to a valley. “It’s rich in spiritual energy and secluded, only three miles from the main peak, making it easy to defend.”

"How long will it take?"

“Three years,” Yu Qingru said firmly. “With sufficient resources and manpower, it can be completed in two and a half years.”

Liu Meizhen lightly tapped the table with her fingertips, her rhythm like a military review: "I will transfer twenty more array masters from the Array Hall to assist you. An additional fifty mid-grade spirit stones will be provided each month for array testing."

A flicker of surprise crossed Yu Qingru's eyes—this level of support far exceeded her expectations. She was about to express her gratitude when Liu Meizhen continued, "But what I need is more than just teleportation between the two locations."

"What does the mistress mean?"

"Three thousand miles west of Tianluo Mountain lies the 'Ten Thousand Poison Swamp' in the far west," Liu Meizhen said, her eyes gleaming. "I need a teleportation array that can switch between Huizhou Prefecture and the border outposts at any time, so that reinforcements can reach the front lines immediately should anything happen in the west."

Yu Qingru exchanged glances with the array masters behind her, and pondered, "This requires constructing a double array base, which will increase material consumption by 50%."

“Materials are not a problem.” Liu Meizhen took out a jade box from her storage ring, opened the lid, and inside were twelve crystals shimmering with purple light. “Purple Crystals, is that enough for you to construct the array’s core?”

The array masters gasped in astonishment. A single piece of this high-grade material, sourced from the deep sea, was priceless.

Yu Qingru took a deep breath: "With these, it will definitely be completed within two years!"

Liu Meizhen nodded in satisfaction and pushed the jade box forward: "From today onwards, you will be stationed at Tianluo Mountain, claiming to be repairing the mountain's protective array." She paused, "Remember, not a single word can be leaked to the outside world."

"I understand."

The meeting continued until midnight. After the other array masters took their leave, Yu Qingru stayed behind. The room suddenly became so quiet that the soft crackling of the lamp wick could be heard.

"Is there anything else?" Liu Meizhen asked without looking up as she was tidying up the jade slips on the table.

Yu Qingru gripped the jade pendant at her waist tightly, her knuckles turning white: "Sister, is my husband really dead?"

Liu Meizhen paused almost imperceptibly. The candlelight cast flickering shadows on her face, obscuring her expression.

"Qingru, what you believe in your heart is what you are."

The morning mist had not yet dissipated in Wuzhou City when Liu Meizhen's cloud-patterned flying boat quietly landed outside the city. Today, she had specially changed into a plain white formal dress embroidered with silver thread, with the purple-gold token of the Fu family's direct line hanging at her waist, and only a green jade hairpin in her hair, exuding an undeniable majesty in her simplicity.

After entering the city.

She didn't linger, but went straight to Zhen Shi Si.

The imposing Zhenshisi government office stood in the center of Wuzhou City, its vermilion gate inlaid with gilded bronze nails, flanked by stone lions with glaring eyes, exuding a solemn and dignified aura. As soon as she stepped into the main hall, she saw several Zhenshisi officials whispering among themselves, their gazes sweeping over her with a hint of scrutiny and amusement.

Inside the east side hall of the Zhenshi Division, three cultivators dressed in indigo official robes were verifying the merit records submitted by various aristocratic families. Upon seeing Liu Meizhen enter, the middle-aged cultivator at the head immediately stood up and bowed.

"Madam Fu has come in person; I have failed to greet you properly."

Liu Meizhen smiled and returned the greeting, handing over the photo pod: "Thank you for your trouble, Steward Zhao. This is the record of the battle at Tianluo Gate; please verify it."

Steward Zhao took the bean pod and placed it into a bronze mirror. As the light flickered, a 3D image of the destruction of the Tianluo Sect appeared in the air. When the scene showed the Fu family cultivators killing the Tianluo Sect elder, Steward Zhao made hand seals to record it, and numbers on a jade tablet kept changing.

"Upon verification, the Fu family has earned a total of 63,700 merit points in this battle." Master Zhao handed the jade tablet engraved with the new number to Liu Meizhen. "Adding to the original accumulation after your Fu family advanced to the sixth rank, your current merit points have exceeded 80,000, and you are still 320,000 short of advancing to the fifth rank of a noble family."

The conditions for advancing to the fifth rank of a noble family are extremely strict, which is why even though the Luo family has produced three Golden Core cultivators, they have not been able to advance to the fifth rank for a long time.

Liu Meizhen accepted the jade token, but then changed the subject: "Steward Zhao, I've come here to inquire about the second fiefdom of a sixth-rank aristocratic family. I heard that a new prefecture has been surveyed in Wuzhou?"

Zhao, the steward, immediately became subtle in expression: "This... I'm only in charge of calculating merits; for the allocation of fiefdoms, you need to consult Deputy Supervisor Yan."

Master Yan?!

Liu Meizhen frowned.

Deputy Supervisor Yan Zhenren was a family friend of Li Wanhu. Li Wanhu had a feud with the Fu family and was even sued by her, causing him to lose his official position. Now he has gone to Zhenmo Pass.

She never expected that the task of allocating this fiefdom would fall to the other party.

Master Yan already disliked the Fu family, so if things continued this way, it would be even more difficult for the Fu family to obtain that coveted fiefdom.

"Thank you, Manager Zhao."

Liu Meizhen emerged from the east side hall and moved to the main hall. Even if Master Yan was truly making things difficult, the new fiefdom was, after all, the right of the Fu family to advance to the sixth rank, and she could not back down because of it.

"Madam Fu, please wait a moment. The Grand Supervisor is dealing with important matters." A steward stepped forward, his tone respectful, but his eyes betrayed a hint of perfunctoriness.

Liu Meizhen smiled slightly, her expression calm: "It's alright, I'll wait here."

After the steward left, she tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

Inside the hall, Master Yan was drinking with Zhou Xuanming, the Seventh Prince.

"Lord Yan, I have come here today to ask you for a favor." The Seventh Prince smiled and pushed a jade box over.

Master Yan glanced at the jade box and saw a "Purple Mansion Condensing Yuan Pill" inside, which could help Golden Core cultivators break through bottlenecks and was priceless.

A glint of greed flashed in his eyes, but he feigned reluctance, saying, "Your Highness, this gift is too much..."

The Seventh Prince laughed and said, "You're too kind, sir. The Lei family is about to be promoted to the sixth rank. If we can obtain the fiefdom of the newly surveyed prefecture in Wuzhou, we will surely repay you handsomely in the future."

Master Yan pondered for a moment, feigning hesitation: "But what about the Fu family..." The Seventh Prince sneered: "The Fu family? They are merely newly promoted to the sixth rank, their foundation is still shallow, how can they compare to the Lei family? Moreover, have you forgotten about Li Wanhu's matter, Master?"

Master Yan's eyes turned cold.

Li Wanhu was impeached by the Fu family and forced to go to Zhenmo Pass, which greatly humiliated him. Now that the Seventh Prince has personally come to his door and presented him with generous gifts, he is naturally happy to do this favor.

“Alright.” Master Yan nodded. “I will take care of this matter.”

The Seventh Prince smiled with satisfaction and raised his cup in a toast.

outside the temple.

Liu Meizhen waited quietly for a long time. Finally, the palace doors opened, and the Seventh Prince Zhou Xuanming walked out slowly.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

A hint of disdain flashed in the Seventh Prince's eyes, then he laughed and said, "Isn't this Madam Fu? What, you've also come to ask Master Yan for a favor?"

Liu Meizhen remained expressionless and nodded slightly: "Your Highness, the Prince."

The Seventh Prince chuckled and deliberately lowered his voice: "How has Fu Yongning been lately? I've been missing her quite a bit."

Liu Meizhen's eyes flashed coldly, but it vanished in an instant, and she calmly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Yongning is doing well."

"Madam Fu's trip is most likely for the fiefdom?" Zhou Xuanming's gaze lingered unabashedly on Liu Meizhen. "For a fiefdom, would the head of the family really need to personally come to the Zhenshi Division? With Fu Changsheng dead, is the Fu family truly without anyone left?"

Liu Meizhen remained calm: "The Fu family is a small, insignificant household; naturally, it cannot compare to the Prince's mansion, which is teeming with talented individuals."

Zhou Xuanming chuckled, then suddenly leaned closer and whispered, "Why should Madam Fu wrong herself? If you're willing to let Fu Yongyao come to my residence as a concubine, I can put in a good word for you regarding that new fiefdom."

A cold glint flashed in Liu Meizhen's eyes before vanishing, and she took a half-step back to create distance: "Your Highness is joking. With such a fiery temper, I'm afraid it's not suitable for the Prince's residence."

"How ungrateful! Just wait and see if that fiefdom belongs to the Lei family!"

The Seventh Prince laughed heartily and strode away, glancing at Liu Meizhen with disdain before leaving.

Liu Meizhen's eyes turned slightly cold, but she quickly returned to normal.

—As expected, the Lei family had already made their move first.

Another hour passed before Liu Meizhen was summoned.

Inside the deputy supervisor's study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Master Yan was leisurely sipping tea, and when Liu Meizhen entered, he didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Mrs. Fu, please have a seat."

Liu Meizhen sat down calmly and took out a brocade box from her sleeve: "I heard that Master Yan enjoys spiritual tea, so I specially brought some 'Nine-Turn Cloud Mist'."

Master Yan then raised his eyes, glanced at the brocade box, but did not take it: "I cannot accept a reward without merit. Madam Fu, please speak plainly."

"I've heard that 'Qinglan Prefecture' has been newly discovered in Wuzhou, and I'd like to try and secure it for my Fu family."

"This matter," Master Yan interrupted, "the imperial court has its own arrangements. Although the Fu family holds the sixth rank, the new fiefdom requires comprehensive consideration of various factors."

Liu Meizhen's smile remained unchanged: "The Fu family has been promoted to the sixth rank for seven or eight years now, according to the law..."

"The law is inanimate, but people are adaptable," Yan Zhenren said with a forced smile. "Besides, the Lei and Huang families are also applying for promotion to the sixth rank; we have to balance the interests of all parties."

Liu Meizhen lightly stroked the rim of the teacup with her fingertips: "Is Master Yan and Commander Li a family friend?"

Master Yan's expression froze: "What does Madam Fu mean by this?"

"Just a casual question." Liu Meizhen raised her eyes, her gaze as clear as autumn water yet unfathomable. "It's truly a pity that Li Wanhu was dismissed for dereliction of duty."

The atmosphere in the study suddenly froze. Master Yan narrowed his eyes and finally accepted the box of spiritual tea: "Regarding the fiefdom, I will consider it 'as appropriate.' However, the process is complicated, and Madam Fu will need to wait patiently."

Liu Meizhen rose and bowed, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Yan."

The sandalwood incense wafted gently, and the spiritual tea in the teacup had long since gone cold. After Liu Meizhen left, the fake smile on Master Yan's face vanished abruptly, replaced by a gloomy expression. He abruptly smashed the teacup on the ground, shards of porcelain scattering everywhere, spilling tea all over the floor.

"That Liu Meizhen!" he gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with anger. "How dare she threaten me with Li Wanhu's matter!"

The impeachment of Li Wanhu was a thorn in his side. When the Fu family sued Li Wanhu, his secret efforts to salvage the situation failed, causing him not only to lose face but also to lose a crucial ally in court. Now, Liu Meizhen's casual mention of the matter was clearly a warning—if he dared to make things difficult for the Fu family, she wouldn't hesitate to impeach another "negligent" deputy supervisor!
"This woman... does she really think I'm afraid of her?" Master Yan sneered, but a hint of fear flashed in his eyes.

Liu Meizhen is backed by the Fu family, whose daughter, Fu Yongxuan, is a fourth-grade Golden Core cultivator. The Fu family is a meritorious clan that recently destroyed the Tianluo Sect and is a sixth-grade family under close scrutiny by the imperial court. If she were to impeach them, given her current prestige and methods, she might very well succeed.

"Hmph, I'd like to see what you can do to me!" Master Yan snorted coldly, then raised his hand and waved a sound transmission talisman.

A moment later, a trusted steward hurried in and bowed respectfully: "What are your orders, sir?"

Master Yan narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, "The Fu family's application for a new fiefdom should proceed according to the 'normal procedure'."

The steward was taken aback: "Does Your Excellency mean..."

"Delay it!" Master Yan said coldly. "Check every single procedure carefully. If there's anything that doesn't comply with the rules, send it back for re-examination immediately!"

The steward understood immediately and whispered, "I understand. We will not let the Fu family get away with this easily."

Master Yan nodded in satisfaction and added, "In addition, the matter of the Lei family's promotion to the sixth rank should be expedited. All procedures should be handled with priority and there should be no delays."

A knowing glint flashed in the steward's eyes: "I'll take care of it right away."

After the steward left, Master Yan slowly sat back down in his chair, tapping his fingertips on the table, his eyes filled with uncertain emotions.

"Liu Meizhen, you want to use the law to suppress me? Fine, then I'll use 'rules' to deal with you!"

He sneered, took out a jade slip from the drawer, and scanned it with his divine sense. It was a list of the generous gifts sent by the Lei family.

"I must give face to the Seventh Prince..."

……

Outside the Zhenshi Division, on Liu Meizhen's cloud-patterned flying boat.

Liu Meizhen sat quietly inside the flying boat, her fingertips lightly stroking the teacup, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

Fu Yongjing stood to the side and whispered, "Mother, what about Master Yan..."

“He won’t give in easily,” Liu Meizhen said calmly. “However, he also wouldn’t dare to openly defy the laws of the court.”

Fu Yongjing frowned: "Then what about the new fiefdom..."

“He can stall.” Liu Meizhen’s lips curled slightly. “But he can only stall for a while, not forever.”

She looked up at the window, where the bustling scene of Wuzhou was faintly visible through the clouds and mist.

She paused, a sharp glint in her eyes, and then said, "Pass down the order: Investigate Master Yan's background."

Fu Yongjing's heart skipped a beat, and he whispered, "Mother wants to..."

Liu Meizhen didn't say much.

She couldn't just stand by and watch that new fiefdom of Wuzhou fall into the hands of the Lei family. Judging from the current situation, Master Yan would definitely make things difficult for them. Since Master Yan had blocked their path, she should find someone above Master Yan, the Chief Supervisor of the Zhenshi Division. After returning to the clan, she sent Fu Yongrui from the Dark Hall to find out the specific situation of the Chief Supervisor of Wuzhou.

Simultaneously.

She issued another conscription order to the Lei and Huang families.

Lei Family Council Hall
Chief Lei slammed his palm on the rosewood table, which shattered instantly, sending wood chips flying everywhere.

"Liu Meizhen! This is outrageous!"

He clutched a crimson gold token in his hand, the very conscription order that the Fu family had just sent. The token was engraved with the four large characters "Conscription for Huixi County," the characters sharp as knives, their edge gleaming.

Inside the hall, the elders of the Lei family remained silent, none daring to utter a sound.

"Forty Foundation Establishment elites entered the Demon Suppression Pass, twelve Purple Mansion experts perished at the Heavenly Net Gate, and now they want my entire Lei family's miners to go and mine for them?!" The Lei Clan Chief laughed angrily. "Does the Fu family treat my Lei family like livestock?!"

An elder stepped forward with a stiff upper lip: "Clan leader, if we don't do as you say, I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?!" Chief Lei interrupted sharply. "She can't possibly wipe out my Lei family, can she?!"

The elder said in a low voice, "The Fu family is powerful now and has meritorious service in the imperial court. If we disobey orders, we will probably be accused of 'disobeying the imperial decree,' and then..."

Chief Lei's chest heaved violently, and lightning flashed in his eyes; he was clearly furious.

But in the end, he took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his anger.

"Pass down the order," he said through gritted teeth, enunciating each word clearly, "All miners, depart tomorrow for Huixi County."

The people in the hall looked at each other, but no one dared to refute them.

Chief Lei turned around and looked out the window, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"When I advance to the sixth rank... when I advance to the sixth rank..." he murmured to himself, as if trying to convince himself, "At that time, I will definitely make the Fu family pay for their blood debt!"

-

Huang Family Council Hall

After reading the conscription order in his hand, Chief Huang sneered and casually tossed it onto the table.

"The Fu family is trying to use us as laborers."

An elder of the Huang family frowned and said, "Clan leader, we just lost fourteen Purple Mansion cultivators, and now we have to draw miners. I'm afraid the clan's spirit mine mining will be..."

Chief Huang raised his hand to interrupt: "Do as instructed."

The elder was taken aback: "Clan leader?"

"Do as instructed," Chief Huang said calmly. "The Fu family is powerful; there's no need for us to confront them head-on now."

He picked up the teacup, gently blew away the foam, and a calculating glint flashed in his eyes.

“The Lei family is more anxious and hates the Fu family more than we are.” He took a sip of tea and said slowly, “Let them fight first, and we… can just sit back and reap the benefits.”

The elder suddenly realized and whispered, "The clan leader is wise."

Chief Huang put down his teacup, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"Liu Meizhen... Ha, let you be smug for a few days."

Ouyang Family Estate - Secret Council Hall
In the dimly lit secret council hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated the different expressions of the seven elders.

They all wore silver veils, revealing only their eyes, their gazes sometimes deep, sometimes flickering, sometimes hesitant.

The head of the Ouyang clan tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his voice low and calm like an ancient well: "You are all aware of the Lei family's conditions. The reason I have gathered you here today is to discuss—whether my Ouyang family will continue to rely on the Fu family, or... switch allegiance to the Lei family?"

The hall fell silent for a moment.

The Third Elder spoke first, his voice hoarse: "Clan leader, the Fu family no longer has a Golden Core cultivator to hold the reins! With Fu Changsheng dead, the Fu family is like a rootless duckweed. Even though Fu Yongxuan is taking care of the Luo family, the Luo family is still the Luo family, and the Fu family is still the Fu family! How much help can she really provide?"

"Excellent!" the Fifth Elder echoed, his eyes gleaming. "The Lei family is about to advance to the sixth rank, and with the support of the Seven Princes, they are destined to become the overlords of Wuzhou. If we pledge allegiance now, we will surely be highly valued in the future!"

Clan Chief Ouyang remained silent, only slowly scanning the crowd with his gaze.

The Second Elder pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "But everyone, don't forget that the Fu family summoned us three times, yet not a single soldier from the Ouyang family was mobilized. Why is that?"

The Fourth Elder sneered, "It's just that the Fu family looks down on our insignificant strength!"

"No," the Second Elder shook his head. "The Fu family conscripted the Lei and Huang families, but spared us. It's because the clan leader's daughter, Ouyang Qing, is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage! The Fu family's actions are not only out of compassion, but also out of friendship!"

"Loyalty?" The Sixth Elder scoffed. "Cultivation families prioritize profit above all else; what talk of loyalty?"

The Ouyang clan chief finally spoke, his voice calm yet undeniable: "The Fu family has indeed shown kindness and righteousness to my Ouyang family."

Everyone was startled.

The clan chief continued, "When our clan first arrived in Wuzhou, our foundation was not yet stable, and it was Fu Changsheng who secretly supported us. Later, when Qing'er encountered a bottleneck in her cultivation, it was Fu Yongxuan who gave her guidance and helped her break through. Now that Qing'er is in seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage, the Fu family has summoned us three times without disturbing our clan. This is a great favor."

His gaze was sharp as he slowly swept over the crowd: "It's easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow. The Fu family may seem weak now, but don't forget—in the battle of Tianluo Gate, the Fu family didn't lose a single soldier, yet they gained the greatest benefit! Liu Meizhen is an unfathomable person."

The Third Elder frowned: "But the Lei family is powerful. If we refuse..."

"The Lei family?" The patriarch sneered. "The Lei family has suffered heavy losses, even their miners have been conscripted to work in the mines. What right do they have to dominate? On the other hand, the Fu family is steady and methodical, advancing step by step. I bet the Fu family will rise again!"

He slammed his hand on the table and said resolutely, "Issue my order—the Ouyang family will not accept the Lei family's offer! Furthermore, dispatch 30,000 miners from the clan to Huixi County immediately to assist the Fu family in mining the Chiyang Stone Mine!"

The elders' expressions changed.

"Clan leader! The Crimson Sun Stone Mine is the old territory of the Blood Fiend Sect. If the Blood Fiend Sect launches a counterattack..."

"That's precisely why we should go!" The clan leader's gaze sharpened. "The Fu family is currently short-handed. If the mine changes hands, the Fu family will suffer a severe blow. Our assistance now is like sending charcoal in snowy weather!"

The elders looked at each other, then bowed in unison: "We obey the clan leader's command!"

Right now!

The once clear sky above the tribe's territory suddenly darkened!

"Rumble--"

Thunder rumbled, dark clouds gathered, and a bolt of purple lightning darted through the clouds like a dragon!
The expressions of everyone in the hall changed drastically.

"Thunder Tribulation?!"

"It's Qing'er! She successfully formed her core!"

Clan Chief Ouyang abruptly stood up, his eyes blazing with wild joy. He strode out of the secret council hall, looked up at the sky, and his voice trembled with excitement: "Heaven bless the Ouyang family! Our clan... also has a Golden Core cultivator!"

The elders followed, their expressions filled with awe as they gazed at the ever-thickening thunderclouds.

The clan leader took a deep breath, turned around and shouted sternly, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly activate the clan's protective formation! Help Qing'er overcome her tribulation!"

"Yes!"

Dark clouds loomed overhead, lightning surging within them like a dragon in motion. Ouyang Qing stood suspended in mid-air, her white robes fluttering in the gale. Her veil had long since fallen away, revealing a cold and stunningly beautiful face. She formed hand seals, her spiritual energy surging around her, condensing into a pale golden barrier above her head.

The first lightning tribulation descends!
"boom--!"

A bolt of purple lightning, as thick as a bucket, struck down, slamming heavily against the barrier. The golden light trembled violently, yet it did not shatter. Ouyang Qing let out a muffled groan, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, but the fighting spirit in her eyes intensified.

The second and third lightning tribulations arrived in quick succession!

The lightning bolts grew increasingly fierce, and cracks began to appear in Ouyang Qing's barrier. She bit her tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the barrier, and the cracks instantly healed.

"Qing'er!" Clan Chief Ouyang watched from afar, his heart pounding with fear, but he dared not approach to interfere.

The fourth tribulation of lightning!
This bolt of lightning was crimson red, carrying the power to scorch the heavens and boil the seas. The barrier shattered instantly, and the residual force of the lightning struck Ouyang Qingtian's head!

At the critical moment, a jade pendant on her chest suddenly lit up, transforming into a light barrier that neutralized the lightning. This was a protective magic item that Fu Yongxuan had given her years ago.

The fifth lightning tribulation!
The sky fell silent for a moment, then a bolt of pure white lightning struck down without a sound. Ouyang Qing's pupils constricted sharply; this was the most dangerous "Annihilation Lightning"!
Without hesitation, she unleashed her natal magic weapon, the "Mystic Ice Mirror." The mirror collided with the lightning, unleashing a blinding light. The Mystic Ice Mirror shattered inch by inch, but it managed to block the fatal blow.

The dark clouds suddenly turned a deep gold, and a bolt of lightning, like a golden dragon, roared down. Ouyang Qing's long hair flew wildly as she looked up to the sky and roared, "Come on!"

A dazzling five-colored light suddenly erupted from her dantian, and a brilliant golden core phantom appeared above her head. The lightning struck the golden core, but was absorbed bit by bit!

"A fifth-grade Golden Core! It's a fifth-grade Golden Core!" The Grand Elder trembled with excitement.

The thunderclouds gradually dissipated, and a ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds. Immediately, a torrent of spiritual rain poured down, causing parched earth to sprout and withered trees to revive in its wake. Ouyang Qing bathed in the spiritual rain, and her injuries healed at a visible speed.

(End of this chapter)