Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 598 Those who offend the Fu family! No matter how far they are, they will be punished!!
Huizhou Prefecture borders the far west, and Zhenyuan Pass is a crucial town for perimeter defense.

At the highest point of the pass, a nine-story pagoda, cast entirely from dark metal and engraved with countless defensive array patterns, stands majestically. The enormous "Sky Observation Mirror" embedded at the top of the pagoda rotates slowly, monitoring any movement in the far west beyond the border.

Inside the tower's core chamber, several border guards, dressed in uniform black armor and exuding a sharp aura, were intently watching several enormous water mirrors before them.

Suddenly, a red light flashed violently on a water mirror, and a large number of warning runes appeared!

The leader of the secret guards' expression changed drastically, and he abruptly stood up:
"Not good! A large-scale, high-energy reaction has been detected rapidly approaching from the far west! It's at least at the late Golden Core stage, no... it's at the Pseudo-Nascent Soul stage! There are also more than a dozen Golden Core stage auras accompanying it! It's moving extremely fast, and its target is Zhenyuan Pass!"

"They're from the Joyful Sect!"

"You all stay here and keep watch, I'll go report to the general!"

……

The top floor of the pagoda.

The stone door to the quiet room slid open silently.

A middle-aged general, with a tall, straight posture, a resolute face, and a short beard, slowly walked out. He was not wearing full armor, but only a black casual uniform. However, the steady, mountain-like yet sharp aura emanating from him instantly reassured the anxious deputy general.

This person was Yue Zhenshan, a general of the pseudo-Nascent Soul realm who was specially transferred to guard this place after the negotiations between the imperial court and the Immortal Alliance broke down. He was known for his steadiness and iron fist.

"They've finally arrived." Yue Zhenshan's tone was calm, as if he were hearing not the arrival of a powerful enemy, but the arrival of a guest. His eyes were sharp, showing no sign of panic: "Sound the alarm. According to the highest level of contingency plan, summon all Golden Core commanders to the 'Zhenyue Hall' for a meeting."

"Yes, sir!" The lieutenant perked up and immediately took the order.

Soon, the deep and powerful alarm bells resounded throughout Zhenyuan Pass. Throughout the pass, squads of elite soldiers swiftly and orderly took their designated battle positions, and various defensive formations lit up in turn, creating an atmosphere of solemnity, yet without much chaos.

Inside the Zhenyue Hall.

More than ten commanders, all at the Golden Core stage, stood solemnly on either side. Most of them had solemn expressions, but when they saw Yue Zhenshan sitting steadily in the main seat, their unease dissipated considerably. The first thing this general did after taking office was to simulate various possible border conflicts, especially invasions from major sects in the far west. Countless similar defensive drills had already been conducted.

Yue Zhenshan's gaze swept over every commander present with lightning speed, his voice steady and powerful, echoing throughout the hall:

"Gentlemen, you are all aware of the contents of the alarm. If we allow the Joyful Sect to succeed so easily today, the sects in the far west will think that our Great Zhou is weak and easily bullied, and they will follow suit. There will never be peace on the border! Therefore, in this battle, we must not only defend, but also win! We must make them pay a bloody price, beat them until they feel pain to the bone, so as to deter the lowly and ensure the long-term peace and stability of our border!"

His words, delivered with resounding force, not only highlighted the severity of the crisis but also ignited the fervor in everyone to defend their homes and achieve great deeds. The somewhat oppressive atmosphere in the hall was instantly replaced by soaring fighting spirit.

Seeing this, Yue Zhenshan nodded slightly and continued his deployment, speaking quickly and clearly, with a logical and organized manner:

"Commander Zhang! Your unit is responsible for maintaining the core of the 'Thousand Mountains and Layered Peaks Formation.' The supply of spirit stones must be flawless, and all formation masters must be on standby. I want this formation to be as solid as a rock when it withstands the first wave of attacks!"

"Commander Li! You are in charge of the 'Spirit-Breaking Crossbow' position. Lock onto the enemy's Golden Core cultivators. On my command, fire a volley to intercept them and disrupt their formation!"

"Commander Wang, Commander Zhao! You two will lead elite guerrillas, relying on pre-established defenses, to seize the opportunity and attack their weak points, dividing and containing them!"

"The remaining departments shall perform their respective duties and act in accordance with the pre-arranged plan!"

Each time someone was called upon, the commander responded with a resounding affirmation, his eyes resolute. Yue Zhenshan's deployment was entirely based on the plan that had been repeatedly practiced, and everyone executed it without any hesitation.

Finally, Yue Zhenshan stood up, placed his hands on the table in front of him, leaned forward slightly, and looked intently at everyone, employing both kindness and severity:
"We have been training for a thousand days to use our troops for one day! The court has entrusted us with such an important task, which is a sign of their trust in us and an opportunity for us to make our mark! If we win this battle, I will definitely petition the court for your merits, and the rewards will be plentiful!"

He abruptly changed his tone, his voice turning icy and chilling: "However, if anyone hesitates to fight, deserts in the face of battle, or fails to carry out orders properly... don't blame this general for being ruthless with military law, he will execute them without mercy!"

"We obey the general's orders!" the commanders roared in unison, their morale soaring. Those sent to the front lines were all experienced and valiant men eager to advance their careers through military merit. Yue Zhenshan's resolute decisiveness and meticulous arrangements ignited their fighting spirit.

"Good!" Yue Zhenshan waved his hand. "Everyone to your positions, prepare to meet the enemy! Let those barbarians from the far west taste the might of our Great Northern Army!"

"promise!"

The commanders quickly dispersed, each carrying a streak of light, and headed to their respective defense zones. The entire Zhenyuan Pass, like a sophisticated and efficient war machine, was fully operational under the core drive of Yue Zhenshan, exuding a chilling aura of killing intent.

Yue Zhenshan stood alone in the hall, gazing towards the direction beyond the pass, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He murmured to himself, a hint of cold anticipation in his voice: "Master Huanxi... I have been waiting here for a long time. This Zhenyuan Pass will be your burial ground!"

...

...

Wuzhou, the forbidden area of ​​the Wu family, a sixth-rank official.

Chief Wu hurried through layers of restrictions and arrived at the ancestral cave where the clan leader was cultivating in seclusion:
"Ancestor, we have just received definite news that a large number of experts from the Joyful Sect in the far west, personally led by the Joyful Venerable who is at the Nascent Soul Realm, have arrived at the border! General Yue of Zhenyuan Pass has led his troops to prepare for battle."

Ancestor Wu scanned the jade slip with his divine sense, his brows furrowing slightly, but he wasn't as tense as Clan Chief Wu. He pondered for a moment, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and slowly said:
“The Joyful Sect… they are probably after the Fu family. Fu Changsheng has a deep grudge against the Joyful Sect and Qiuyue Nunnery.”

“Most likely.” Clan Chief Wu nodded in agreement. “The Fu family rose too quickly and possesses a powerful treasure, which has long attracted the attention of wolves. The fact that the Joyful Sect has mobilized all its forces this time must mean that they have obtained some kind of certainty and want to destroy the Fu family in one fell swoop and seize the opportunity.”

"However, according to reports from our people stationed around the Fu family, the Fu family patriarch, Fu Changsheng, seems to be at a critical moment in his seclusion. With the Fu family leaderless and their strongest fighter absent, how can they possibly withstand a ferocious army led by a Pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivator? I'm afraid..."

He wanted to say, "I'm afraid the Fu family is doomed this time," but before he could finish speaking, Wu Jiyuan interrupted him.

Old Master Wu stood up, his gaze fixed on the direction of Huixi County, his tone unwavering and resolute:

"Zhengming, immediately summon all the Golden Core elders in the clan and come with me to Huixi County!"

Clan Chief Wu was taken aback. Although he had anticipated that the patriarch might come to the aid of the Fu family, he hadn't expected such decisiveness and speed, especially since the patriarch himself was leading the entire force. He subconsciously asked, "Patriarch, you're going personally? Should we observe the situation a little longer? After all, the opponent is a fake infant..."

Old Ancestor Wu turned his head, looked intently at Clan Chief Wu, and spoke earnestly:

“Zhengming, you’ve always been pragmatic and have a good sense of the big picture, which is excellent. But sometimes, being pragmatic means understanding that offering help in times of need is far better than adding to someone’s success!”

He paced back and forth, analyzing the situation clearly:

"First, Huixi County borders our fiefdom and is also the foundation of the Fu family. If Huixi County falls and the Fu family is destroyed, the next one to suffer will be our Wu family! At that time, we will be left alone and unable to survive. How can our Wu family survive in a world surrounded by tigers and wolves? Helping the Fu family is helping ourselves!"

"Secondly, precisely because Fu Changsheng is currently in seclusion, the Fu family needs strong support the most right now! Our intervention at this time is of the utmost importance! If the Fu family can overcome this calamity, they will surely remember the kindness of the Wu family. Given Fu Changsheng's character and the Fu family's momentum, such a good deed is of immeasurable value!"

"Third," Wu Jiyuan emphasized, "Don't forget, it was precisely because of the Fu family's generosity in providing Core Formation materials on favorable terms that my Wu family was able to gain two more Golden Core cultivators, greatly increasing our strength! This is a life-saving grace! If my Wu family were to shrink back now, wouldn't that be ungrateful and make us a laughingstock of the world? Who would dare to befriend my Wu family in the future?"

"Fourth," a shrewd glint in his eyes, "the Fu family has deep resources and may have a backup plan. That Fu Changsheng is no easy opponent; how could he let his stronghold be easily destroyed? Our going there is not only to lend a hand but also to show our stance. As long as we hold out until Fu Changsheng emerges from seclusion, the situation may still be reversed!"

Listening to the patriarch's analysis, the hesitation on Clan Chief Wu's face vanished, replaced by determination and admiration. The patriarch truly lived up to his reputation as the pillar of the family; his thoughts were far-reaching, and his courage extraordinary. He bowed deeply, saying, "The patriarch is wise! I understand perfectly! I will go and gather the men immediately!"

Old Ancestor Wu nodded, and finally instructed, "Remember, this battle is dangerous, but it is also an opportunity. My Wu family and the Fu family are of one blood; we share the same fate, and we share the same fate. Tell Jingren and Wenbo to prepare themselves as well; this is the time to test their Golden Core cultivation in actual combat!"

"Yes!"

...

...

Wuzhou, the ancestral home of the Ouyang family, a sixth-rank official – Observatory

Unlike the Wu family's swift response upon receiving the alarm, the atmosphere was far more profound within the Ouyang family's ancestral land, in a manor nestled against the mountains and beside the water, its layout subtly echoing the celestial constellations. When the message reached the patriarch Ouyang Mochen through encrypted channels, he was sitting quietly on the star-gazing platform, a black and white chess piece suspended between his fingers, yet to be placed.

Ouyang Mochen had a refined and scholarly appearance, yet his eyes seemed to hold the brilliance of a galaxy, and his aura was deep and unfathomable. He slowly put down the jade slip, and the chess piece at his fingertips gently landed on a certain spot on the chessboard, making a crisp sound, as if he had settled some kind of decision.

"Qing'er, what do you think?" He asked Ouyang Qing, who stood upright like a pine tree, without turning around.

Ouyang Qing stepped forward, her tone firm and without the slightest hesitation: "Father, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold! The Joyful Sect's transgression is ostensibly aimed at the Fu family, but in reality, it is a test and invasion of our Great Zhou cultivation world by forces from the far west. If the Fu family falls, the next one will surely be our Ouyang family! For both public and private reasons, we must support Huixi County!"

Ouyang Mochen's gaze remained fixed on the chessboard, his voice calm yet tinged with solemnity: "I naturally understand the reasoning. But Qing'er, have you considered that behind the Joyful Sect stands a true Nascent Soul ancestor? Although Fu Changsheng is strong, capable of fighting against a fake Nascent Soul cultivator, what are the odds of victory against a true Nascent Soul cultivator? If my Ouyang family clearly chooses sides this time, we will be making an enemy of a super sect with a Nascent Soul cultivator. The risks involved are no small matter."

Ouyang Qing's eyes were clear, yet they revealed a sharp insight into the situation:

"Father, it is precisely because the risks are so great that we cannot back down! The sects of the far west are, to the cultivators of our Great Zhou, foreign races! This is not a simple struggle for alliances, but a war of factions! If everyone is afraid of Nascent Soul cultivators and chooses to protect themselves, today the Fu family will be swallowed up, tomorrow our Ouyang family will be devoured, and the Great Zhou's border defenses will surely collapse! At that time, being able to protect oneself will be nothing but a mirage."

She paused, her tone becoming even more resolute:
"Moreover, the Fu family's foundation far exceeds its apparent strength, and Fellow Daoist Changsheng has repeatedly created miracles. Providing assistance at this time is like sending charcoal in snowy weather, and it also demonstrates the Ouyang family's stance to the Great Zhou Dynasty and to all comrades resisting the forces of the far west! This is not only about saving the Fu family, but also about protecting the future fortune of the Ouyang family itself!"

Ouyang Mochen remained silent for a moment, the only sound on the observatory the night wind rustling through the ancient star map. Finally, he slowly rose, his robes fluttering even without wind, his aura subtly connected to the array of the entire manor, exuding an ancient and mysterious charm.

"Enough." He sighed softly, but his eyes were clear and resolute. "What you said is exactly the 'grand vision of the stars' upheld by my ancestors throughout the Ouyang family. Under a crumbling wall, how can an egg remain intact? Since it is an invasion by foreign races, there is no reason to stand aside."

He looked at Ouyang Qing, his eyes filled with approval and entrustment: "Qing'er, you lead the 'Starfall Guards' ahead of time, take my token, and activate the family's secret 'Small Heavenly Shifting Array'. Be sure to reach Huixi County as quickly as possible to help the Fu family stabilize their situation."

"Yes, Father!" Ouyang Qing perked up and immediately accepted the order.

Ouyang Mochen then instructed the person in the shadows, "Elder Ying, you go with Qing'er. If necessary, you can use the 'Star Spell'."

A blurry figure bowed slightly under the starlight, responding silently, its aura obscure and difficult to discern.

Ouyang Mochen finally looked towards Huixi County, his eyes deep: "Pass down the order to activate the basic defenses of the ancestral land's 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Array'. This time, my Ouyang family will stand with the Fu family and the surrounding border regions, advancing and retreating together!"

The order was given, and the dormant machine of the Ouyang family began to operate, but unlike the magnificent power of the Wu family, it carried a precision and mystery akin to the movement of stars. Faint starlight lit up throughout the manor, forming intricate patterns. Ouyang Qing and a team of guards with refined auras, clad in star-patterned armor, gradually blurred and disappeared into the suddenly illuminated teleportation starlight.

...

...

Wuzhou, Huang Family Council Hall
Huang Yuehua hurried through the corridor, not even having time to have a maid announce her arrival, and pushed open the heavy wooden door of the council hall. Inside, the Huang clan chief was leisurely sipping a cup of spiritual tea, chatting and laughing quietly with his confidant beside him, seemingly oblivious to the tense situation at the border.

"Clan Chief!" Huang Yuehua suppressed her anxiety and tried to keep her voice steady. "We just received an urgent report from the front lines. The Huanxi Clan's army is approaching Zhenyuan Pass, and General Yue is on high alert. The Wu and Ouyang families have both dispatched their elite troops to Huixi County to support the Fu family. Shouldn't we also gather our forces immediately and go to their aid? This is a matter of great righteousness, and it is a time when we are all in the same boat."

She tried to reason with him and appeal to his emotions, hoping that the clan leader would prioritize the greater good.

Chief Huang slowly set down his teacup, glanced at Huang Yuehua, and a barely perceptible mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips. He dismissed his confidants before speaking slowly, his voice deliberately drawn out:

“Yuehua, you’re always so impatient.” He tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “Righteousness? Lies where the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold? Heh, well said. But this ‘cold’ may not necessarily fall on my Huang family first.”

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the seemingly peaceful scene of Huizhou city, ambition gleaming in his eyes:
"The Fu family? Hmph, they've been too powerful these past few years, it's time for them to take a break. The Joyful Sect? Barbarians from the far west, they don't understand the rules of my Great Zhou. Even a powerful dragon has to see if it can suppress a local snake."

He turned around, stared at Huang Yuehua, and said in a meaningful tone, "Let them fight it out first, fight until they are both severely injured, wouldn't that be better? If my Huang family gets involved now, we'll only be adding to their glory, or... becoming cannon fodder. Why bother?"

Huang Yuehua's heart sank. The clan leader's intentions were now crystal clear. She couldn't help but advise, "Clan leader, isn't this going too far... If the Fu family finds out, I'm afraid..."

"In the future?" Clan Chief Huang interrupted her, sneering, "If the Fu family can survive this calamity, we can 'timely' provide assistance, get a share of the spoils, and do them a favor. Do you think they would refuse? If the Fu family can't survive... hehe, then the vacuum left by Huixi County and even the Fu family will be an opportunity for my Huang family, won't it? Don't forget, Princess Runyu is in seclusion. This Wuzhou will have to change its way of life sooner or later!"

Seeing that Huang Yuehua wanted to say something more, his face darkened, and his tone became authoritative and unquestionable: "Alright! I have my own plan for this! Pass down the order for the family guards to strengthen their defenses, but no one is to move without my command! Gathering manpower? No rush, let's be more 'prepared'. Yuehua, you go and appease those uninformed members of the clan, tell them that the Huang family has its own plan!"

Looking at the clan chief's face, consumed by power and greed, Huang Yuehua felt a surge of helplessness. She knew further persuasion was futile; the clan chief was already blinded by the fantasy of "profiting from the chaos." She could only lower her head, concealing the worry and helplessness in her eyes, and whispered, "Yes... Yuehua understands."

...

...

Huixi County Council Hall

The atmosphere was solemn, but there was no panic.

Liu Meizhen sat upright in the main seat, her aura perfectly balanced and restrained, clearly indicating she had reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. Her gaze swept over everyone present—the Golden Core core members of the Fu family who had been urgently teleported back from various locations, and the cultivators from the Wu and Ouyang families who had come to provide support. "You are all aware of the situation," Liu Meizhen stated bluntly, her voice clear and calm. "The Joyful Sect has come in full force; their objective is far from ordinary. They are very likely targeting the extinct volcano in my Huixi County. Before his seclusion, the patriarch entrusted me with the responsibility of protecting the family. This battle cannot be lost."

She first looked at Fu Yongyao and Fairy Tianyin: "Yaoyao, Tianyin, the outer array of the dead volcano is the result of your hard work. It is the first line of defense for our clan and our greatest reliance. The responsibility of defense is now entrusted to you two."

Fu Yongyao's face remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with absolute confidence in the Dao of Confrontation:

“Mother’s heart. This formation is called the ‘Nine Revolutions Profound Fiery Array’. It borrows the power of the earth veins of a dormant volcano and incorporates all the knowledge I have learned in my life. Let alone a fake infant, even if a Nascent Soul old monster came in person, he would have to put in a lot of effort to break the formation. It will hold out until the imperial reinforcements arrive without any problem.”

Liu Meizhen nodded, then changed the subject, a sharp glint in her eyes: "However, the best defense is also offense. While holding out for reinforcements is safe, it's too passive. My idea is to send an elite squad to launch a surprise attack on the Joyful Sect's rear resource strongholds, forcing them to divide their forces and disrupting their formation!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Changli frowned slightly and spoke cautiously: "Mistress, this plan is ingenious, but the Joyful Sect's stronghold is far in the west, and we are too far away to reach it. I'm afraid that distant water cannot quench a nearby fire."

Liu Meizhen seemed to have anticipated this, a slight smile playing on her lips, revealing a composure similar to Fu Changsheng's: "Third brother's concerns are valid. But before the patriarch went into seclusion, he had already considered this possibility and specially left Qinglin and Hun Dun behind to deal with any unforeseen needs." She turned her gaze to the sleeping Qingjiao beside her, "Fellow Daoist Qinglin's speed is unparalleled, comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator, so traveling to the far west is not difficult for him."

These words immediately lifted everyone's spirits!
"Mo Lan requests to fight!" A clear, cold voice rang out. Fu Mo Lan stepped forward from the crowd, several phantom puppets of various shapes faintly appearing behind her, exuding a chilling aura. "After a century of accumulation, Mo Lan's puppets have become a well-organized force, capable of forming an army, but they lack real combat experience!"

Immediately afterward, Fu Changli stepped forward, the Beast King's Token at her waist glowing faintly, exuding a wild aura: "Changli is willing to go! With the Beast King's Token, all the beasts of Spirit Beast Valley can serve as soldiers! We will surely make the rear of the Joyful Sect a scene of chaos!"

"With such a lively scene, how could I, Ouyang Fei, be absent?" A slightly sinister voice rang out. Ouyang Fei, who had rushed back from the Eastern Wilderness, grinned. The aura of countless poisons around him was held back but not released, yet it caused the surrounding air to distort slightly. "Poisoning, assassination, destroying their herb garden... I'm a professional."

Looking at the three who volunteered, Liu Meizhen's eyes flashed with determination: "Alright! The three of you will form the hunting team! Mo Lan will lead the puppets for the frontal assault, Chang Li will drive the beast horde for flanking maneuvers, and Ouyang Fei will be responsible for infiltration, sabotage, and poison support!" With a wave of her sleeve, several powerful auras descended upon the council hall. "Qing Lin, Skeleton Vine, Chaos, and Ning Ningning's Wooden Flying Rat, all will be under your command! Remember, the purpose of this mission is not a fight to the death, but harassment, sabotage, and creating chaos. Strike and retreat immediately, prioritizing your own safety!"

"Yes!" the three answered in unison, their fighting spirit soaring.

Liu Meizhen looked at them and calmly ordered, "There's no time to lose, set off immediately! This battle must make the Huanxi Sect understand that those who offend the Fu family, no matter how far away, will be punished!"

...

...

Outside Zhenyuan Pass, the world changes color.

The raging torrents of spiritual energy tore through the clouds, and the light of various magical treasures and supernatural spells collided and annihilated like a torrential rain, producing deafening roars. Led by the Joyful Venerable, the Golden Core elders of the Joyful Sect launched a relentless offensive, with various pink miasma, bewitching demonic sounds, and giant phantom images of the Joyful Buddha emerging one after another, attempting to overwhelm the majestic pass.

However, the surrounding armies of the Great Peripheral Region have demonstrated remarkable resilience.

General Yue Zhenshan, the garrison commander, led the charge, standing atop the highest point of the fortress wall. He unleashed his formidable cultivation at the Nascent Soul stage without reservation, forming a solid defensive line. With a wave of his command flag, the military formation below shifted accordingly. Countless soldiers channeled their spiritual power into a single entity, condensing into a massive phantom shield and sharp spear points, blocking and shattering wave after wave of attacks from the Joyful Sect.

"A thousand mountains rise, rise!" Yue Zhenshan's voice boomed like a bell. Outside the pass, layers of earthen-yellow light shields rose, as thick as mountains. This was the defensive array reinforced under the remote guidance of Fu Yongyao and Fairy Tianyin, which repelled the Huanxi Sect cultivators who tried to approach.

"Spirit-Breaking Crossbows, fire!" With another command, hundreds of specially made crossbows on the wall hummed, and light arrows, imbued with the power to break magic, shot out like meteors, accurately attacking the Golden Core cultivators of the Joyful Sect, forcing them to divert their attention to defense.

The Crimson Serpent Fairy waved her red ribbon, deflecting several Spirit-Breaking Crossbow bolts. Her brows furrowed, she transmitted her voice to Abbess Jingyue beside her: "Senior Sister, Yue Zhenshan's troops are as solid as an iron barrel, his formations are strong, and his soldiers are fighting with their lives. We have been unable to break through for a long time, and our sect's disciples have consumed a great deal of spiritual energy."

Abbess Jingyue's face was contorted with hatred. Her gray whisk swept out ripples of deathly stillness, but these were blocked by the combined forces of the army. She shouted sharply, "Are we just going to let this go? That villain Fu Changsheng must be behind the pass!"

The battle was at a stalemate. Half an hour had passed, and apart from losing three thousand low-level disciples and expending a lot of spiritual energy, the Joyful Sect had failed to shake the Zhenyuan Pass defense line in the slightest.

Hovering in mid-air, surrounded by immense pressure, and not yet unleashing his full power, Master Huanxi's expression gradually darkened. He had originally thought that his strength at the Pseudo-Infant Realm would be enough to quickly break through this defense, but he hadn't expected Yue Zhenshan to be so troublesome, or the Great Zhou's border troops to be so elite.

"Hmph, stubborn fool!" A cold glint flashed in Master Huanxi's eyes. He knew he couldn't delay any longer. Once the Great Zhou Dynasty's reinforcements arrived, or the Fu family made more thorough preparations, this operation might very well fail.

His mind raced, and he instantly changed his strategy. A subtle, almost imperceptible divine thought silently entered the minds of Fairy Chilian and Abbess Jingyue:

"Red Serpent, Serene Moon, heed my command!"

The two men perked up, knowing that their sect leader was about to make a new move.

"Yue Zhenshan is relying on the great formation and is hiding in the open. A direct attack would be too costly. I will use the 'Joyful Reincarnation Banner' to forcibly tear the formation in front of us for a moment and open a passage. However, this method consumes a lot of resources, has a limited duration, and will provoke a fierce counterattack from Yue Zhenshan, making it impossible for the main force to pass through."

Master Huanxi spoke rapidly and gave clear instructions: "You two, the moment the passage opens, immediately use your secret technique to traverse through! Chilian, you take my 'Breaking Restriction Pearl,' don't look back, go straight to the extinct volcano in Huixi County! That Water Cloud Cave genius is the key to this battle! You go first, you must find a way to infiltrate or break through the outer restrictions, seize the cave, and make it the foundation of our sect here!"

A black bead, the size of a longan and with strange spiral patterns flowing on its surface, appeared out of thin air in the sleeve of the Crimson Fairy.

"Jingyue, you will go with Chilian to lend her a hand. If you encounter any members of the Fu family along the way, kill them without mercy! You can vent your grievances there!"

"I will continue to hold back Yue Zhenshan's main force here. Once you two succeed, we can coordinate from within and without, and Zhenyuan Pass will fall without a fight!"

The Crimson Serpent Fairy felt a chill in her heart, knowing that she had a heavy responsibility on her shoulders. She immediately responded with a telepathic message: "I will obey the sect leader's decree!" She gripped the barrier-breaking bead in her sleeve, feeling the terrifying power to break the spell contained within it.

Abbess Jingyue's eyes flashed with venomous resentment, as if she could already see the Fu family disciples groaning in agony at her hands. She hissed, "I will not fail the sect leader's trust!"

Master Huanxi said no more. He took a deep breath, and the magical power of his False Infant Realm began to surge wildly. An ancient banner phantom, exuding a seductive sound and the aura of reincarnation, slowly appeared above his head. The terrifying pressure made the entire battlefield pause.

Yue Zhenshan seemed to sense something, his gaze sharp as he looked at Huanxi Shangren, and he shouted sternly, "All troops on alert! Be careful that old devil doesn't back down!"

...

...

Master Huanxi unleashed the "Joyful Reincarnation Banner," which exuded an eerie aura of reincarnation. He poured immense magical power into it, causing the banner to swell and transform into a pinkish-black pillar of light that distorted space. It then slammed into the "Thousand Mountains Layered Formation" surrounding Zhenyuan Pass—

"Boom——!!!"

A deafening roar resounded, and the incredibly sturdy array barrier trembled violently. The strange power of the Reincarnation Banner forcibly tore open a long and unstable crack! The crack was filled with shimmering light and turbulent spatial currents, clearly unable to last.

Yue Zhenshan's expression changed, and he roared, "Stabilize the formation! Prevent the enemy from attacking the crack!" The attention of all the guards, including most of the cultivators from the Joyful Sect, was drawn to this earth-shattering attack and the fatal crack.

However, no one noticed that in the shadow of the spiritual energy turbulence formed by the energy impact on the flank of the battlefield, a green figure was already poised to strike!
The moment the crack appeared!
"Now! Qinglin, let's go!" Fu Changli shouted, and she, along with Fu Molan and Ouyang Fei beside her, leaped onto the broad back of the Azure Dragon like arrows shot from a taut bowstring.

The Azure Dragon with Azure Scales let out a suppressed dragon roar, its four claws stomping in the void, its body surging with azure light, transforming into a nearly transparent azure line. Its speed surpassed the limits of what the naked eye could perceive, even faster than sound! Without the slightest hesitation, it precisely seized the moment when the great formation was forcibly torn apart and both sides' attention was focused on the crack itself!

"call out--!"

A swift, green shadow flashed by!
...

...

The Azure Dragon's escape light fell like a meteor, silently landing in a valley dozens of miles away from the Joyful Sect's important branch of spiritual herbs. In the distance, the protective array surrounding the branch was faintly visible in the setting sun, with the path of the medicinal fields inside barely discernible, filled with the misty spiritual energy.

Time was of the essence; every breath was crucial to the safety of the main battlefield, leaving no room for hesitation or probing.

Fu Changli and Fu Molan exchanged a glance, both seeing the resolute determination in each other's eyes. There was no pre-battle mobilization, not even a single word of communication.

Fu Changli patted the Beast King Token at his waist and whispered, "Children, go!"

"Roar—!" "Awoo—!" "Screech—!"

In an instant, the elite spirit beasts of Spirit Beast Valley roared forth! Iron-winged falcons blotted out the sky, their sharp claws striking the array's protective barrier; the Earth Bear reared up, slamming its earth and stone against the mountain gate; Shadow Leopards transformed into streaks of black, searching for weaknesses in the array. The beast horde, like a bursting dam, launched a wild, head-on assault on the branch headquarters!
Almost at the same time, Fu Molan waved her sleeve, and ripples spread through the void behind her.

"Click...click...clang!"

A silent legion appeared out of thin air! Bronze warriors strode heavily, their fists gleaming with spiritual light, fearlessly smashing into the formation; the sword formation of black iron swordsmen unleashed chilling sword energy; and various strange and unique combat puppets, some spewing flames, others launching poisonous stings, joined the frenzied attack of the spirit beast army, instantly turning the perimeter of the Joyful Sect branch into a meat grinder! Skeleton demon vines even burrowed into the ground, attempting to destroy the formation's structure from its very foundation.

A direct, powerful attack, erupting instantly!
A deafening roar, the howls of beasts, and the clanging of metal from the puppets shattered the branch's usual tranquility. The Joyful Sect disciples within the branch were clearly caught off guard; alarms blared and the array's protective barrier began to fluctuate violently.

At the very beginning of this chaos, a faint shadow, taking advantage of the huge commotion and spiritual chaos created by the army of spirit beasts and puppets, silently blended into the shadows like a ghost—it was Ouyang Fei.

...

...

at the same time.

Deep within the Joyful Sect's Spirit Medicine Branch, in a luxurious palace.

The Ninth Elder, Tu Lie, was bare-chested and leaning against a soft couch, one arm around a seductive female cultivator, the other holding a jade cup filled with amber wine, listening to a tune with hazy, drunken eyes. The hall was filled with a sweet fragrance and cheerful laughter, a truly delightful scene.

"Elder! Something terrible has happened! There's... there's an enemy attack!" A disciple on duty scrambled into the main hall, his face ashen and his voice trembling.

Tu Lie's good mood was interrupted, and his brows furrowed immediately. Without even looking, he casually flicked his sleeve, and a sinister gust of wind swept out: "You scoundrel! You disturbed this elder's refined enjoyment, you're asking for death!"

Before the disciple could even scream, he was slammed against a pillar, his bones shattered, and he died instantly. The female cultivator beside him was terrified, her face pale with fear, and she fell silent.

Tu Lie snorted coldly and nonchalantly took a swig of wine: "Enemy attack? Hmph, which blind fool dares to provoke my Joyful Sect? They're probably just some reckless rogue cultivators and bandits. Let the disciples outside deal with them!"

However, before he could finish speaking, the roaring sounds, beastly howls, and violent tremors of the formation from the outside grew stronger and stronger, even drowning out the music playing inside the hall. The entire hall began to sway slightly, and dust began to fall in rustling sounds.

"Hmm?" Tu Lie sobered up considerably and his divine sense suddenly spread out, instantly covering the entire branch.

With that glance, the laziness and arrogance on his face froze instantly, replaced by unbelievable shock and anger!
Outside the branch headquarters, the protective array's light shield was already on the verge of collapse!

A torrent of ferocious spirit beasts is raging against the mountain gate, tearing at it with claws and unleashing a barrage of spells! Even more terrifying, yet silent, army of bronze and black iron puppets, like painless war machines, relentlessly attacks the array nodes! Flying spirit beasts and puppets circle overhead, launching attacks!

"Outrageous! Who dares to invade my precious land!" Tu Lie was both shocked and furious. He pushed away the female cultivator in his arms and appeared above the branch headquarters in a flash. At the same time as him, two other early-stage Golden Core elders who had rushed over upon hearing the news took to the air. All three of them had faces filled with shock and panic.

Tu Lie channeled his late-stage Golden Core spiritual power, his voice booming like thunder, attempting to intimidate the invading enemies: "Stop! Do you know that this is the sacred ground of the Joyful Sect? To disturb our sect is to make enemies of our Nascent Soul Ancestor! Retreat at once, or I will spare your lives!"

He tried to intimidate the other party by mentioning the title of a Nascent Soul True Monarch from his sect. However, when his gaze pierced through the smoke and dust and he saw Fu Changli standing on the back of the Azure Dragon, commanding with composure, and Fu Molan hidden behind the puppet army, her expression icy cold, his pupils suddenly contracted!
"It's you?! The Fu family of the Great Zhou!" Tu Lie instantly recognized the two faces he had seen on the wanted jade slip within the sect. He was filled with shock and anger, and felt an extreme rage of being offended. "How dare you! You dare to cross the border and attack, destroying my medicine garden! Are you tired of living?!"

But he wasn't a fool. Seeing the enemy's thousands of spirit beasts, their puppets forming a dense forest, their aura overwhelming, while his side only had three Golden Core cultivators—numerous disciples, yet unable to withstand such an iron torrent—he suppressed the urge to attack immediately. He signaled to the elder beside him to maintain the crumbling formation with all their might, while swiftly retrieving a blood-red communication jade talisman and frantically channeling his divine sense into it:

"Urgent message from the sect! The Fu family of the Great Zhou has launched a surprise attack on our Black Wind Medicine Valley! The enemy forces are overwhelming, with Golden Core cultivators controlling a massive number of spirit beast puppets. We request immediate reinforcements!"

The jade talisman transformed into a streak of blood-red light, piercing through the air and heading straight for the Joyful Sect's mountain gate.

Tu Lie was slightly relieved, then glared fiercely at Fu Changli and the others, and roared with a fierce but weak voice, "You lowly servants of the Fu family! Your death is near! Once our sect's reinforcements arrive, we will surely tear your souls apart and refine your spirits, so that you will never be reincarnated!"

Seeing the blood-red communication jade talisman disappear into the air, a cold glint flashed in Fu Molan's eyes. Without holding back any longer, she immediately transmitted her voice to Fu Changli and Ouyang Fei, who was hiding in the shadows:
"The enemy has requested reinforcements; there's no need to hold back any longer. Let's finish this quickly!"

The order was given, and the battle situation escalated instantly!

The first to be affected was the Azure Dragon!
Previously, it had only intimidated with its speed and imposing presence, without truly unleashing its power. Now, receiving the command, it let out a deafening dragon roar, its massive body transforming into a streak of azure lightning, completely ignoring the broken array barrier, and instantly appearing before the leading Ninth Elder, Tu Lie!
Tu Lie was only at the late stage of the Golden Core realm. Facing the peak fourth-tier Azure Dragon, which possessed the bloodline of a true dragon and whose speed was unparalleled among its peers, he didn't even have time to react! He only saw a blue shadow flash by before an irresistible force slammed into his protective aura.

"puff--!"

The protective aura shattered like paper, Tu Lie coughed up blood, his ribs were broken, and he flew backward like a kite with a broken string. His eyes still held extreme fear and disbelief, and his aura instantly weakened to the extreme. His life or death was unknown.

On the other side, the Chaos Beast roared, and the [Chaotic Thunder Eye] on its forehead suddenly opened. A gray lightning bolt, distorted with light and containing an aura of destruction, shot out and went straight for a mid-stage Golden Core elder! The elder hurriedly summoned his magic weapon to defend, but it was eroded by the chaotic power contained in the lightning, and the magic weapon's spiritual light dimmed instantly.

at the same time.

Countless vines of the Skeleton Demon Vine emerged from the ground like ghostly hands, tightly binding the elder's legs and devouring his spiritual power! The Wood Flying Rat transformed into a green shadow, moving at extreme speed, its sharp claws and teeth specifically targeting his vital points!
The three fourth-tier spirit beasts cooperated perfectly, and the Golden Core elder was overwhelmed and could barely hold on for less than three breaths before the Chaos Thunder Eye broke through his defenses. Then, the demonic vines drained his spiritual power, and the wooden flying rat pierced his dantian, killing him on the spot!

(End of this chapter)