Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 547 Privileges, the Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion, Changes in the Clan-Suppressing Cauldron
Five-Colored Island.

Shangguan Hongyu walked out of the thatched hut wearing a coarse cloth outer garment. The rest she had taken for several days had improved her complexion considerably, but the spiritual energy within her body remained as stagnant as still water.

"Auntie, where are you going?" Xianyu rubbed her eyes and chased after her from inside the house.

"Let's go for a walk on the beach." Hongyu ruffled the little girl's hair. "You play with Aunt Alan's younger sisters; your aunt will be back soon."

The fishing village is located on the east side of the island, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with only a winding path leading into the island. Shangguan Hongyu walked slowly along the coastline, secretly observing the terrain—to the west, towering cliffs; to the north, dense forests; and to the south, the outline of a stone city could be vaguely seen.

"The spiritual energy on this island..." She frowned. The entire island had almost no spiritual energy, except for a faint fluctuation of spiritual power in the direction of the city, but the aura was cold and sticky, making people uncomfortable.

While thinking.

"Why are you out here, young lady?" Alan returned carrying a basket of fishing nets and saw her standing on a high place gazing into the distance. His expression immediately became tense. "It's windy on the island, and you're not fully recovered yet."

Shangguan Hongyu smoothed her long hair, which had been ruffled by the sea breeze, and smiled, "Lying down for too long gets stuffy, so I came out for some fresh air." She pointed to a dense forest in the distance, "Sister Alan, what kind of place is that forest? I want to go there."

"You can't go!" Alan suddenly grabbed her wrist with surprising force. "That forest is forbidden territory; there's no return from there!"

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar. Five or six cultivators dressed in brocade robes rode up, the young man at the head of the group with his hair tied up in a jade crown and a short sword inlaid with gemstones hanging at his waist.

"It's the young island master!" Alan's expression changed drastically. She hurriedly tried to pull Shangguan Hongyu away, but it was too late—

"stop."

The cavalry arrived in an instant. The young island lord reined in his horse, and his pupils contracted sharply when his gaze fell on Shangguan Hongyu. In the morning light, the woman in plain clothes had skin as smooth as jade, and her features were exquisite. The sea breeze ruffled her unbound long hair, making her look like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.

"This young lady looks unfamiliar." The young island lord dismounted, a gentle smile on his face, but a hint of greed flashed in his eyes.

Alan stepped forward tremblingly, saying, "Young Island Master, this is my cousin from my maternal family."

"Oh?" The young island lord feigned surprise. "This young lady seems quite ill." He stared intently at Shangguan Hongyu. "Does the young lady need a physician's treatment? We have excellent medicinal herbs in our manor."

Shangguan Hongyu sneered inwardly. She had seen plenty of spoiled brats like this; under normal circumstances, a single glance from them would be enough to make them kneel and beg for mercy. But at this moment, she had not yet recovered her magical powers.

“Thank you for your kindness, Young Island Master.” She nodded slightly, her voice as cold as frost. “I am now fully recovered. If Young Island Master has no further business, please excuse me for taking my leave.”

Liu Wuchen's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal: "I apologize for my abruptness." He stepped aside to let Hongyu pass, but as she brushed past him, he took a deep breath of the fragrance emanating from her hair, a fleeting glint of desire in his eyes.

Upon returning to the island lord's mansion, Liu Wuchen's gentle smile vanished instantly. He ripped off his jade crown and strode into the study with a grim expression.

"Investigate!" He tapped his fingertips on the table. "Within one hour, I need to know everything about that woman!"

Thunder rumbled outside the window; a downpour was imminent.

-

Fishing Village Hut
Alan, her face deathly pale, slammed the doors and windows shut. "Girls, you must leave immediately!" she cried, trembling as she handed Hongyu a bundle. "Dry food and water, enough for three days."

Holding the little girl, Xianyu asked in confusion, "Auntie Alan, why suddenly..."

“That young island master is no good person!” Alan lowered his voice. “People disappear from the island every month, all of them young women and children.” She suddenly fell silent and looked out the window in horror.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore grew increasingly urgent, and a torrential downpour began.

Shangguan Hongyu pushed open the wooden window and saw that the sea was raging with turbulent waves, making it impossible to cross by boat. She turned and took Alan's hand: "Sister Alan, we can't drag you down with us." She picked up Xianyu, "Are there any secluded places in the mountains?"

Alan gritted her teeth: "There's a cave on the north cliff... it was discovered by my husband before he died." She took out a rough map, "Follow this animal trail..."

Before the words were finished, the sound of dogs barking came from afar.

"It's too late!" Alan flung open the door. "Let's go through the back mountain!"

-

Shangguan Hongyu carried Xianyu as they struggled through the dense forest. Rain soaked their hair, and the icy mountain wind chilled their collars. Xianyu clung tightly to her neck, her small hands icy cold.

"Auntie, why are those people chasing us?" Xianyu's voice trembled.

Just as Hongyu was about to answer, the bushes in front of her suddenly rustled. Three men in black appeared silently, the chains in their hands gleaming coldly.

"Why waste your energy, young lady?" The leading cultivator grinned. "The young island lord simply wishes to invite you to his residence."

Shangguan Hongyu shielded the immortal jade behind her and said coldly, "Is this how you treat your guests?"

The man in black approached step by step. Suddenly, Shangguan Hongyu grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it at the man's eyes. Taking advantage of the chaos, she picked up Xianyu and rushed to the side.

"Chase!"

In the torrential rain, Shangguan Hongyu's cloth shoes were already soaked through with mud and water. Panting heavily, she took shelter in a crevice in the rocks and held Xianyu tightly in her arms.

"Auntie," Xianyu looked up, her face wet with rain and tears, "Will we die?"

"No," Shangguan Hongyu wiped the water from her face. "Auntie promised to take you to see the outside world."

The light of the torches in the distance grew closer. Shangguan Hongyu gritted her teeth, about to continue her escape, when suddenly her footing gave way—

A large net sprang up from the ground and covered the two of them from head to toe!

"We caught them!" Several cultivators emerged from the bushes and shouted excitedly.

Shangguan Hongyu struggled desperately, but then she saw a cultivator take out a bamboo tube and blow a cloud of pink smoke at them.

This is a mystery.

Before her consciousness faded, the last thing Shangguan Hongyu saw was Xianyu's terrified little face.

-

Island Lord's Mansion Dungeon

The sound of dripping water woke Shangguan Hongyu.

She found herself chained to a stone wall, with a stone platform beneath her engraved with strange runes. In the iron cage opposite her, Xianyu was curled up in a ball, seemingly still unconscious.

"woke up?"

Liu Wuchen's voice came from the shadows. He was wearing a dark red robe today and was toying with an exquisite dagger in his hand.

"Liu Wuchen," Shangguan Hongyu said hoarsely, fighting off the dizziness, "what exactly do you want to do?"

"What are you doing?" Liu Wuchen chuckled as he approached. "Such a stunning beauty as this young lady, this young master naturally wants to..." He pressed his cold dagger against Hongyu's cheek. "To cherish her well."

Shangguan Hongyu abruptly turned her face away: "You dare!"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Liu Wuchen suddenly grabbed her chin. "Do you still think of yourself as that high and mighty cultivator?" He whispered closer, "Right now, you're nothing but a lamb to the slaughter."

The dungeon door was suddenly pushed open.

"Young Master!" A guard rushed in, flustered. "The Island Lord has emerged from seclusion! He needs to see you immediately!"

Liu Wuchen's expression changed drastically, and the dagger clattered to the ground. He hurriedly straightened his robes, giving Shangguan Hongyu a fierce glare before leaving: "I'll deal with you later!"

The iron gate slammed shut. Shangguan Hongyu let out a long sigh, only then realizing her back was soaked with cold sweat. She looked at the iron cage opposite her and softly called out, "Xianyu?"

The little girl didn't react. Only then did Shangguan Hongyu notice that a small cut had appeared on Xianyu's right wrist, and blood was slowly dripping into the jade bowl below.

"These beasts!"

Anger caused Shangguan Hongyu to struggle violently, the iron chains digging deep into her flesh.

The iron chains scraped against the stone wall with a harsh sound, and Shangguan Hongyu's struggles quickly left her wrists bleeding. Suddenly, she heard a faint sob coming from inside the iron cage.

"Immortal Jade?" she whispered.

The little girl finally woke up and looked around in terror: "Auntie, where is this?" Her voice trembled with fear, and the wound on her right wrist was still bleeding.

"Don't be afraid." Shangguan Hongyu forced herself to calm down. "Auntie said, can you move?"

Xianyu tried to move her body, but cried out in pain, "My feet are chained!"

Shangguan Hongyu's gaze swept across the dungeon. In the dim torchlight, she noticed some instruments of torture piled up in the corner, among which a rusty dagger was faintly visible in the firelight.

"Xianyu, do you see that knife?" she whispered, "Can you hook it over with your foot?"

Xianyu bit her lip and stretched her legs as far as she could. The chains taut, making a teeth-grinding sound. Just as her toes were about to touch the hilt of the knife, footsteps suddenly came from outside.

"Someone's coming!" Xianyu hurriedly pulled her foot back.

Shangguan Hongyu immediately closed her eyes and pretended to be unconscious. The cell door was pushed open, and an old servant with a hunched back walked in carrying a bowl.

"Time to eat," the old servant's voice was hoarse and unpleasant. He placed a bowl of murky soup in front of Shangguan Hongyu and threw a hard piece of bread into Xianyu's cage.

Just as the old servant was about to leave, Shangguan Hongyu suddenly spoke up: "Old man, please bandage this child's wound."

The old servant paused, his cloudy eyes fixed on Xianyu's bleeding wrist. After a moment's hesitation, he actually pulled a dirty cloth from his robes and shakily walked towards the iron cage.

Just as the old servant bent down, Shangguan Hongyu suddenly strangled him with an iron chain! The old servant struggled and made a "hoarse" sound before quickly collapsing to the ground.

"Immortal Jade, quick! The key!"

Xianyu watched this scene in horror, but quickly pulled a bunch of keys from the old servant's waist. Unfortunately, she couldn't open the iron cage no matter how many keys she tried.

"Never mind the cage," Shangguan Hongyu said urgently, "Throw me the knife!"

Xianyu kicked the short knife at Hongyu with all her might. The blade scraped across the ground with a piercing sound, finally stopping at a point that Hongyu could barely reach.

Just as Shangguan Hongyu was struggling to hook her foot around the hilt of the knife, Liu Wuchen's angry shout suddenly came from outside: "Old man, why are you taking so long!"

The footsteps were getting closer!
At the critical moment, Shangguan Hongyu finally grasped the dagger in her hand. The prison door was suddenly pushed open, and Liu Wuchen rushed in with two guards.

"You wretch!" Liu Wuchen's expression changed drastically upon seeing the old servant lying on the ground. "Give me—"

His words came to an abrupt halt. Shangguan Hongyu had somehow managed to free one of her hands, and her short knife flew out like lightning, striking a guard squarely in the throat!

Just as another guard was about to draw his sword, Shangguan Hongyu had already broken the iron chains and pounced on him. Although she had no spiritual power, her skills as a cultivator were still intact. A swift elbow strike sent the guard sprawling to the ground with a groan.

Liu Wuchen's face turned deathly pale, and he turned to run away. Shangguan Hongyu grabbed an iron chain from the ground and lashed it hard against the back of his knees. The young island master screamed and fell to his knees.

"The key." Shangguan Hongyu coldly stepped on his wrist. "Otherwise, I'll break your fingers one by one."

Liu Wuchen trembled as he handed over the key. Xianyu was finally released and huddled in Hongyu's arms, shivering.

"Go!" Shangguan Hongyu shouted, holding Liu Wuchen hostage. "Take us away from here!"

However, as soon as they emerged from the dungeon, they heard a strange chanting coming from above. The entire island lord's mansion trembled slightly, and a heavy stench of blood filled the air.

"Too late." Liu Wuchen suddenly grinned maliciously. "Father has already begun the blood sacrifice formation; you can't escape!"

Shangguan Hongyu looked up and saw in the center of the hall that thousands of villagers, chained together, were being forcibly pressed onto a massive blood-red array. The island lord stood at the array's core, holding in his hands the very bowl of Xianyu's blood!

"The Xuan Turtle bloodline... I never imagined that in my old age I would have such a heaven-defying opportunity!" The island lord's maniacal laughter echoed through the hall. "Today I will surely achieve Foundation Establishment!"

...

...

The majestic city gate of Wuzhou City gleamed with a bluish-gray luster in the morning light. Fu Changsheng, dressed in a black brocade robe with a jade pendant from the Zhenshi Division hanging at his waist, walked calmly toward the city gate.

"Master Fu!"

A trembling shout came from the city gate.

The city guard captain rushed over, his iron armor clanking as he took three steps at a time. He suddenly knelt on one knee five steps in front of Fu Changsheng, clasping his hands above his head.

"This humble servant congratulates Master Fu on his promotion to Imperial Guard!"

Fu Changsheng paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He recognized the captain of the guards; although he had been polite when entering the city before, he had never been so obsequious. Several guards behind him were kneeling on the ground in unison, their foreheads almost touching the bluestone slabs.

"Your information network is quite impressive." Fu Changsheng chuckled, flicking a mid-grade spirit stone from his sleeve. "The imperial edict just arrived, and you already know about it?"

The captain of the guards accepted the spirit stone with both hands, his face beaming with a fawning smile: "Master, you flatter me. Last night, the Zhen Shi Division worked tirelessly to arrange the ceremonial procession, and Master Xuan Yang even personally supervised the procession. Who else but you, having been promoted to Patrol Envoy, could be worthy of such a display?" He bowed and led the way, "This humble servant has prepared the carriage; please, Master, take a seat."

“No need.” Fu Changsheng waved his hand to interrupt, his gaze sweeping over the suddenly increased number of pedestrians at the city gate—those cultivators who were pretending to be passing by were now bowing their heads in greeting.

He didn't want to become a target of criticism right after taking office.

As Fu Changsheng passed through the city gate, he keenly noticed that the jade tokens that usually required inspection were now being ignored. Shop owners along the street had unanimously laid out congratulatory red silk ribbons in front of their doors, some even bringing out gift boxes to approach him. The Zhen Shi Si (a government agency) personnel discreetly parted the crowd, clearing a path for him.

Turning off the main street, the familiar obsidian gate of the Zhenshi Division came into view. But today, a ten-zhang-long vermilion carpet was laid in front of the gate, and thirty-six Zhenshi Division cultivators dressed in black robes with gold patterns stood on both sides, each holding a ceremonial staff high, which intertwined in the air to form a spiritual archway.

"Hahaha, young friend Fu!"

A loud laugh echoed from inside the gate, and Master Xuan Yang, dressed in a simple gray robe, personally came to greet him. This usually dignified head of the World-Suppressing Division was now beaming, and he strode forward to grasp Fu Changsheng's hand: "This old Daoist has long awaited this day!"

Fu Changsheng bowed respectfully: "How could I dare trouble you, sir, to personally greet me?"

“Of course.” Master Xuanyang patted him on the shoulder.

Fu Changsheng's promotion to Patrol Angel was a great achievement for him.

after all.

No one knew better than him how fierce the competition was for the position of the Archangel.

The main hall of the Zhenshi Temple has been prepared as a ceremony venue.

Nine ancient bronze lamps hung from the beams, their wicks burning with precious ambergris. Amidst the rising smoke, a royal edict over ten feet long hung on the main wall, its jade scroll and gold scroll gleaming with precious light. On either side stood more than twenty cultivators dressed in official robes, Yan Zhenren's expression shifting between light and shadow.

"The auspicious time has arrived—"

As the master of ceremonies chanted, Master Xuan Yang, with solemn expression and proper attire, took a purple jade ruyi from the incense table. Fu Changsheng noticed the bright yellow silk ribbon tied to the end of the ruyi—a token directly from the imperial family.

"Burn incense!"

Nine children simultaneously lit incense sticks with dragon patterns as thick as an arm, instantly filling the hall with their fragrance. Master Xuan Yang bowed deeply three times towards the imperial capital, then turned, his voice booming like a great bell:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Fu Changsheng of Wuzhou is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and for his steadfast faith. He is hereby granted the post of Imperial Inspector, bestowed with a gold-embroidered jade belt, and given the authority to oversee criminal justice in one prefecture and fourteen counties."

As the imperial edict was read, the imperial edict moved without wind, and each character on it lit up with golden light. When the words "By Imperial Decree" were read, the entire edict suddenly transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into the jade pendant at Fu Changsheng's waist, instantly adding a dragon-shaped dark pattern to the surface of the pendant.

Master Xuanyang took out a three-finger-wide gold-patterned jade belt from the brocade box held by the attendant and personally tied it on Fu Changsheng. The moment the jade belt was fastened, Fu Changsheng felt the chaotic energy within his body suddenly boil, resonating with the imperial dragon energy contained in the jade belt, and the air within three zhang around him was slightly distorted.

“This is…” Fu Changsheng’s pupils contracted slightly.

"This is a magical artifact crafted by the founding emperor, and a token of authority for successive imperial inspectors," said True Man Xuan Yang in a voice only the two of them could hear. "Wearing it allows one to draw upon thirty percent of the power of the World-Suppressing Bureau's grand formation." He then stepped back and called out loudly, "I request the imperial inspectors to offer incense!"

Fu Changsheng straightened his clothes and accepted the three sticks of incense. As he turned towards the capital, he caught a glimpse of Master Yan's gloomy face. The moment the incense was inserted into the cauldron, the chaotic energy within his body flowed from his fingertips into the incense stick, causing the smoke to condense into a five-clawed golden dragon in the air, circling the beam three times before dissipating.

"Auspicious signs have appeared in the heavens!" the master of ceremonies exclaimed excitedly. "His Majesty is blessed; Heaven protects the Great Zhou!"

All the cultivators in the hall bowed down, even Master Yan had to pay his respects. Master Xuan Yang stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes gleaming: "Chang Sheng, I've heard that recently some sects from the far west have infiltrated Wuzhou. I'll leave this matter entirely to you."

"Your subordinate will certainly live up to your expectations." Fu Changsheng solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute, but a sharp smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

After the ceremony.

Master Xuan Yang led Fu Changsheng through the corridor to a secluded tea room in the back hall. Two cups of spiritual tea were already prepared on the sandalwood table, with a few verdant Enlightenment tea leaves floating in the rising steam. "Sit." Master Xuan Yang casually sat cross-legged on a futon, seemingly unconcerned about the incense ash stains on the hem of his gray robe, and personally poured tea for Fu Changsheng. "Is the Imperial Envoy's jade belt comfortable to wear?"

Fu Changsheng's fingertips traced the smooth, gold-patterned jade belt around his waist, and he smiled, "It will take a little time to get used to it."

Master Xuan Yang gave Fu Changsheng a meaningful look: "Changsheng, it's been a hundred years since I've seen you manage to summon dragon energy to take form."

The tea rippled, and Fu Changsheng calmly changed the subject: "I am new to this position, and I humbly request your guidance, Master."

Master Xuan Yang's smile faded. He waved his hand, creating a soundproof barrier. His gray robe slipped down, revealing a gruesome old scar on his wrist. He personally poured Fu Changsheng a cup of spiritual tea, smiling as he said, "Changsheng, the burden of being an Imperial Patrol Envoy is no light one."

“Understood, Your Majesty.” Fu Changsheng took a sip of his drink. “The imperial edict just now stated that he ‘has the power to investigate criminal cases in one prefecture and fourteen counties.’ Does that include the arrest of aristocratic cultivators?”

A glint flashed in Xuan Yang Zhenren's eyes, and he stroked his beard, laughing heartily: "Good lad, you come straight for the vitals." He suddenly lowered his voice, "That's right, even if the patriarch of a sixth-rank aristocratic family commits a crime, you have the right to lock his Golden Core!" He then took out a bronze tiger tally from his robes and pushed it forward, "With this, you can mobilize three thousand Xuanjia soldiers, however..."

"It shall not be used lightly except in cases of rebellion." Fu Changsheng nodded in understanding. The tiger tally felt heavy in his hand, with the four small characters "As if I were personally present" engraved on the inside.

Master Xuan Yang stroked his beard with satisfaction, then suddenly tapped the table lightly with his finger. After three crisp sounds, a jade box appeared on the ground, inside which lay three purple-gold command arrows.

"This is the most important thing for the Archangel—" The old man lightly tapped the command arrow with his fingertip, and blood-red patterns immediately appeared on the arrow's shaft. "The decree to slay evil is issued; seeing the decree is like seeing the emperor. But remember, there is only one quota every ten years."

Just as Fu Changsheng was about to reach out, Xuan Yang Zhenren suddenly pressed down on his wrist. The spiritual power emanating from the old man's palm was as vast as an abyss, causing Fu Changsheng's golden core to tremble.

"Last year, Jizhou lost two Imperial Envoys." Xuan Yang Zhenren's voice suddenly turned cold. "One died in the Joyful Union Tent of the Bliss Sect, and the other was cursed by the Holy Maiden of the Northern Frontier." He released his grip, and wisps of black energy suddenly seeped from the old scar. "This position looks prestigious, but it's actually fraught with danger at every turn."

Fu Changsheng was listening intently when he suddenly felt his jade belt tighten. Looking down, he discovered that the dragon pattern had started to move on its own, carving out several lines of small characters on the inside of the jade belt.

"This is?"

"The Merit Ranking." Master Xuan Yang leaned closer, pointing to the newly appeared line of golden characters. "You have officially joined the position of Patrol Envoy. From now on, your personal merits will be recorded and ranked against those of the Patrol Envoys of the other 107 states. Currently, your merits are zero, so you are ranked last in the sixth rank."

"If you want to be promoted to the fifth rank in the future, the primary condition is to enter the top ten of the merit list."

Fu Changsheng glanced at it.

They discovered that there were hundreds of people ahead of him.

Those who are chosen as angels are all formidable individuals, demonstrating that the path to promotion is truly a highly competitive and challenging one.

but.

For him, this envoy was merely icing on the cake; he would never risk his life for a promotion.

He currently has a lifespan of a thousand years. Even if his cultivation is slow, he will one day break through to the Nascent Soul stage, at which point he will have an additional thousand years of lifespan. Why should he worry about not being able to achieve the Great Dao?

Seeing that Fu Changsheng had finished reviewing the merit list, Master Xuanyang smiled and rose, waving his sleeve, the tea set automatically returned to its place: "Changsheng, come with me. The newly appointed Imperial Inspector has another perk—he can enter the Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion and choose one treasure."

Fu Changsheng's eyes lit up.

The Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion collects rare treasures from all over the world, and it is said that it even has ancient immortal artifacts. He adjusted the jade belt at his waist and followed True Person Xuan Yang into the depths of the backyard.

At the same time, his mind focused on the panel in his sea of ​​consciousness, and with a thought:
"Exchange Information"

hum!
The panel vibrated.

A large amount of yellow light surged.

Then, lines of text appeared one after another:
[1] The underground chamber of the Seven Princes’ Mansion contains an Ancient Blood Demon Puppet, which needs to be fed with the essence of young boys and girls every month. It has now awakened 30% of its strength and is comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stage.

[2] Shangguan Hongyu fell into a colorful island in the Inner Star Sea of ​​the South China Sea and was rescued by a fisherman named Alan. Shangguan Hongyu lost all her magic power and went out to find a way to restore it. Because of her outstanding beauty, she was targeted and kidnapped by the young island master. She will become the island master's sacrifice to break through the Foundation Establishment stage and is in imminent danger.

[3] Master Yan secretly cultivates the Blood Demon Art, which requires him to absorb the essence blood of a Purple Mansion cultivator every month.

[4] Ouyang Qing’s pet “Snow Jade Sable” contains a wisp of the soul of an extraterrestrial demon, which is subtly influencing her mind.

[5] The “Blood Moon Calamity” seen in Huang Yuehua’s divination is actually a sacrificial array planned by the Yin Kui Sect, which requires twelve cultivators with special physiques to be gathered for a blood sacrifice on the night of the lunar eclipse.

[6] The fetus in Wu Ling'er's womb is born with a "spiritual body". When it is born, it will cause a surge of spiritual energy within a thousand miles, which may attract the covetousness of a Nascent Soul stage True Monarch.

[7] If the Wood Flying Squirrel can devour a fourth-tier wood-type demon core, it will awaken its innate divine ability "Withered Wood Rejuvenates".

[8] The Yin Kui Sect has sent Blood Puppet Boys to infiltrate Wuzhou. Their real goal is to kidnap Fu Yongjing, who possesses the Void Heaven Tower.

[9] The Netherworld Lotus, which grows in the forbidden area of ​​the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court, bears fruit once every five hundred years. The lotus seeds can help ghost cultivators break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

[10] The spell contained in the Heavenly Nourishing Water that you obtained from the Ghost Spirit Gate needs to be neutralized by the Thousand Autumn Wood.

[11] When you enter the Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion, you can appropriately activate the chaotic energy within your body, which will yield additional rewards.
【12】.
A total of twenty pieces of intelligence were exchanged.

Fu Changsheng quickly glanced at the information, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Shangguan Hongyu's report. However, the Tianyin Tribe had not yet been breached, and he had no way to enter the South China Sea. There was no use in worrying.
"Perhaps we can draw upon the fortune of a noble family."

Anyway.

Hongyu is already his fiancée, so this item should also be applicable to her.

but.

Master Xuanyang was right beside him.

He had to retrieve the treasure and return home before he could use the family's fortune to bless Hongyu.

Fu Changsheng composed himself.

Following Master Xuanyang through three hidden doors, the two arrived at an ancient bronze palace.

The floor of the hall was engraved with intricate array patterns, and twelve dragon-carved pillars stood around it, each inlaid with a top-grade spirit stone. True Person Xuan Yang walked to the central array eye, took out a purple-gold token from his robes, and pressed it to the ground.

"The Treasure Pavilion has strict rules, so I can only take you this far." Master Xuan Yang patted Fu Changsheng on the shoulder. "Remember, once you're inside, it all depends on fate; don't force it."

The array patterns suddenly lit up with a blinding golden light, and Fu Changsheng felt the world spin. When his vision returned, he found himself on a platform shrouded in mist. Looking up, a colossal tower stood before him, its body made of some unknown material, shimmering with iridescent colors in the sunlight. The spire was hidden in the clouds, its top completely obscured.

"This is what Fu Changsheng's breathing was slightly sluggish."

"The Great Zhou Treasure Pavilion." An aged voice suddenly rang out.

An elderly man in grey robes had appeared at the edge of the platform, sitting cross-legged on a blue stone, fishing. His fishing line sank into the sea of ​​clouds, and it was unclear what he was fishing for. Without turning his head, the old man said, "The newly arrived Imperial Envoy?"

Fu Changsheng's heart skipped a beat. This old man seemed ordinary, but his ability to appear silently at such close range indicated unfathomable cultivation. He bowed respectfully: "Junior Fu Changsheng, newly appointed Sixth-Rank Patrol Envoy, has come to select a treasure."

The old man then turned around. Fu Changsheng then noticed that his eyes were actually two crystal-clear jade stones, without pupils, yet giving one the illusion that he could see right through them.

"A jade plaque." The old man stretched out his hand.

Fu Changsheng quickly untied the jade pendant of the Imperial Envoy from his waist and presented it. A blue light flashed in the old man's jade eyes, and the dragon pattern on the pendant suddenly came to life, circling around the old man's finger.

"Hmm," the old man nodded slightly, tossing the jade token back. "The rules are simple: enter only the first level, have one hour, and take only one item. Anyone who forcibly takes a second item will have their cultivation crippled."

Fu Changsheng solemnly replied, "This junior understands."

"Go on." The old man waved his hand, and the fishing rod suddenly dipped. "Tsk, finally caught a decent one today."

Fu Changsheng then saw clearly that the end of the fishing line had actually caught a cloud of lightning. The old man casually stuffed the cloud into his sleeve and continued fishing, never looking at him again.

The massive bronze door slowly opened, revealing a dazzling, shimmering interior. Above the doorway, the three large characters "Treasure Pavilion" were written in a bold, flowing style, each stroke imbued with a sharp, sword-like intent. Fu Changsheng only glanced at it a couple more times before his eyes began to sting.

"Don't stare at it," the old man's voice drifted from afar. "Those are the words left by the sword immortal Li Bai; looking at them for too long will harm your spirit."

Upon entering the first floor, the sight before him made Fu Changsheng gasp for breath.

Floating within the vast space were tens of thousands of orbs of light, each containing a treasure. These included flying swords, magical artifacts, elixirs, ancient texts, and even some strangely shaped objects whose purpose was unknown.

Fu Changsheng took a deep breath and channeled his spiritual energy into the jade pendant at his waist.

The dragon patterns on the jade belt began to move, emitting a faint golden light. Suddenly, several orbs of light lit up in the distance and drifted towards him.

One of the orbs of light contained a blood-red longsword, its blade wreathed in malevolent energy; another orb contained an ancient bronze mirror, its surface blurry yet instilling a strange sense of unease; the third orb was the smallest, containing nothing more than an inconspicuous, dusty gray stone.

When Fu Changsheng's gaze fell on the gray stone, the chaotic energy within his body suddenly began to circulate on its own, resonating strongly with the stone. He reached out and touched the ball of light, and the moment the gray stone fell into his palm, it transformed into a stream of light and entered his dantian.

"This is..." Fu Changsheng looked inward and found that the gray stone was suspended next to the golden core, slowly rotating. With each rotation, a wisp of chaotic energy was refined into a purer form.

Just as he was sensing the changes within his body, a sword's cry suddenly echoed from the depths of the treasure pavilion. A streak of azure light pierced through the air and stopped before him—it was a three-foot-long azure blade, its body as transparent as crystal, with a galaxy flowing within.

Just as Fu Changsheng was wondering, Qingming Zhenjun's voice suddenly rang in his ears: "Little fellow, you're quite lucky. This Star River Sword has been dormant for a hundred years, and today it has actually taken the initiative to recognize its master. Well then, consider it my gift to you."

He was about to reach out his hand when he suddenly remembered the rules and quickly said, "Senior, this..."

"It's alright," Qingming Zhenjun's voice carried a hint of amusement. "Items that have been bound to a master are not subject to the limit."

Fu Changsheng then grasped the sword hilt. The sword immediately shone brightly, the internal stellar river circulated faster, and a cool sword energy flowed into his meridians along his arm, blending seamlessly with the chaotic energy within his body.

hum!
Suddenly, the entire treasure pavilion began to shake violently.

A deep rumble came from above, as if some enormous creature had awakened.

The voice of the Azure Nether True Lord suddenly became serious:
"The time has come. Leave immediately!"

A gentle force pushed Fu Changsheng out the door. The moment the bronze door slammed shut, he vaguely saw a pair of enormous golden eyes open in the darkness above.
Return to the teleportation array.

Master Xuan Yang had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Fu Changsheng appear, he hurriedly came forward: "How is it? Have you found a suitable one?" Before he could finish speaking, his gaze fell on the Star River Sword in Fu Changsheng's hand, and his eyes widened immediately: "This...this is the Star River Sword?!"

Fu Changsheng briefly recounted what had happened.

Master Xuan Yang was astonished upon hearing this:

"How wondrous! In all my years as a guide for the Imperial Patrol, this is the first time I've ever heard of a treasure willingly recognizing its master! Your fortune this time is truly astonishing; either of these two treasures would be enough to make a Nascent Soul cultivator envious."

Fu Changsheng and Xuan Yang Zhenren exchanged a few more words, but because he was anxious about Hongyu, he hurriedly took his leave and sped back to Huizhou City without stopping.

But then, the sky above Huizhou was ablaze with rosy light, and the jade archway of the sixth-rank noble family shone brightly in the morning sun.

When Fu Changsheng emerged from the clouds, the entire city suddenly resounded with the sound of bells and drums—thousands of vermilion lanterns hung high on the main street, and colorful ribbons of congratulations were hung in front of every household.

"Welcome back in glory, Master!"

A roar like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down from the city gate.

Yu Qingru stood at the forefront, dressed in a moon-white robe, her hair adorned with a nine-phoenix hairpin holding a pearl, which trembled slightly in the wind. Behind her, the Fu family members lined up according to seniority, from Purple Mansion cultivators to young children, each with a festive red silk sash tied around their waist.

Before Fu Changsheng's sword light faded, twelve rainbow bridges suddenly rose in the city. On each bridge stood a spirit beast raised by the Fu family, the most eye-catching being the three-tailed fire fox, whose crimson flame pearl in its mouth illuminated the sky in a fiery red.

"Husband," Yu Qingru greeted him, "all the preparations for the ancestral worship are complete. Please proceed to the ancestral hall."

Fu Changsheng nodded.

This is the proper rule.

Although he was anxious, he figured a little more time wouldn't make a difference.

"Opening the ancestral hall—"

As the master of ceremonies gave the order, a 64-gun salute resounded through the sky.

The bronze gate of the Fu Family Ancestral Hall slowly opened, revealing layers upon layers of ancestral tablets inside.

The master of ceremonies chanted "Purify hands and burn incense" once again.

Fu Changsheng stepped across the path paved with spirit rice amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd. The clansmen on both sides bowed deeply, and even the usually unruly offspring of the collateral branches kept their heads bowed low. Several young children were pressed down by their mothers to bow, their little hands still clutching the spirit fruit candies they had just been given.

Inside the ancestral hall, incense smoke curled around, and seven ever-burning lamps moved automatically without any wind.

"The unworthy descendant Fu Changsheng has been granted the position of Imperial Inspector by the Emperor's grace today." Fu Changsheng lit three sticks of sandalwood incense, and the chaotic energy flowed through the incense sticks into the lamp oil, instantly transforming into nine golden threads that flowed between the ancestral tablets.

The ceremony lasted for fifteen minutes.

As Fu Changsheng filled the "Official Title" column of the family genealogy with cinnabar, the entire genealogy suddenly flew up and unfurled in the air, stretching over three zhang (approximately 10 meters) in length. The signatures of the ancestors of each generation lit up with golden light in turn, finally settling on the six large characters he had just written: "Fu Changsheng, the Imperial Envoy."

"The ceremony is complete—"

A burst of cheers erupted outside.

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

"You have been promoted to a sixth-rank Imperial Patrol Envoy and have gained two special lottery draw opportunities. Would you like to redeem them?"

twice?!
This was an unexpected surprise.

Fu Changsheng resisted the urge to exchange the money immediately, exchanged a few words with Yu Qingru, and then turned back to the secret room of the family head's mansion.

With a flick of his sleeve.

The formation is closed.

With a thought, he directly entered the small wooden house in the Five Elements Space.

Just now.

The Dragon Transformation Pool in the Mountain and River Clan Cauldron located at the top of Mount Ling suddenly trembled violently with a hum.

In the Dragon Transformation Pool, the originally calm water suddenly rippled, and wisps of primordial yellow energy rose from the bottom of the pool, swirling and intertwining on the surface like swimming dragons.

The feathered beast was carefully watering a medicinal herb with its wings when it saw this and was so startled that the watering can fell to the ground with a clatter.

"Squeak."

Its round eyes were wide open, and its feathers stood on end.

The primordial energy gathered more and more, gradually condensing into a vortex in the center of the pool. The pool water surged as if boiling, emitting an ancient aura that made one's heart tremble.

The feathered beast instinctively took two steps back, but couldn't resist curiously craning its neck out.

Suddenly, a dazzling light burst forth from the center of the vortex, and twenty-four Xuanhuang spiritual pills, each the size of a dragon's eye, floated into the air. Each pill was enveloped in a hazy glow, and dragon patterns were faintly visible on its surface.

With a slight thought, Fu Changsheng, inside the wooden house, appeared at the edge of the Dragon Transformation Pool.

"Squeak..."

Sensing its master's presence, the feathered beast immediately stopped what it was doing, flapped its wings, and flew over, affectionately nuzzling against his clothes. Fu Changsheng smiled slightly, reached out and stroked its feathers, then his gaze fell on the twenty-four Xuanhuang Spirit Pills floating on the surface of the pool.

The elixir was perfectly round, its surface shimmering with a mysterious yellow aura, with faint dragon patterns appearing beneath, exuding an ancient and profound aura. Fu Changsheng raised his hand, and the elixir, as if drawn by a current, flew one by one into his palm. With a light tap of his fingertip, the elixir transformed into a stream of light, disappearing into his sleeve, where he sealed it within a jade bottle using his spiritual power.

"Not bad, it's even more solid than last time."

Fu Changsheng muttered to himself, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. These Xuanhuang Spirit Pills contained the power of creation from heaven and earth; whether used for his own cultivation or bestowed upon his clansmen, they were all rare treasures.

The feathered beast tilted its head to the side, and seeing that he had finished collecting the spirit pills, it flapped its wings and flew back to the spirit field to continue its work.

With a thought, Fu Changsheng left the Dragon Transformation Pool and returned to the small wooden house. He sat cross-legged on the futon, his eyes slightly closed, and his mind sank into his dantian. He lightly tapped his fingertips, and the sixth-grade aristocratic family jade seal hanging at his waist trembled slightly, with four strands of pale golden fortune swirling around it like swimming dragons.

"go."

He pointed his fingers, and a wisp of fortune suddenly detached from the jade seal, transforming into a golden ray that pierced through the void. The golden light broke through the barrier of the Five Elements space, disappeared into the vast天地 (heaven and earth), and, following the mysterious causal connection, sped towards the South China Sea.

(End of this chapter)