Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 607 Three Lottery Draws, A Thousand-Year-Old Remnant Soul, A Cunning Mantis Waits for the Cicada
Fu Changsheng focused his mind, locking onto the three enticing [special lottery opportunities].

"Start the lottery!"

As the command was given, the ancient lottery wheel in the mind suddenly lit up, and countless points of light representing different types of treasures spun like a galaxy, getting faster and faster, and finally turning into a dazzling halo.

"stop!"

As Fu Changsheng gave the mental command, the roulette wheel suddenly slowed down, and finally, the pointer stopped at an area that emitted a misty purple aura and on which dragon patterns were faintly visible.

"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained the fifth-tier formula for the [Dragon Blood Marrow Cleansing Pill]!"

A torrent of information flooded into Fu Changsheng's mind; it was a complete formula for a pill called "Dragon Blood Marrow Cleansing Pill".

This elixir requires the blood of at least a fifth-tier dragon as its main ingredient, supplemented with dozens of rare spiritual materials, and is refined using a special method. Its effects are extremely potent, capable of cleansing the marrow and significantly enhancing a cultivator's physical strength and vital energy. It is especially effective for body cultivators and spirit beasts possessing dragon bloodlines, even having a slight chance of stimulating or purifying dragon bloodlines!
"This elixir formula... has come at just the right time!" A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

This will undoubtedly be of great help to Qinglin in breaking through to the fifth rank. Moreover, if there are any disciples in the family who follow the path of body refinement, this pill is also a treasure for laying an unparalleled foundation.

It's only fifth-tier dragon blood.

That's equivalent to a Nascent Soul level being.

There is only one true dragon in the Dragon Abyss of the Eastern Wilderness, but it has disappeared underground since it was killed by the Eastern Wilderness Royal Court.

"Perhaps we can find this fifth-tier dragon blood in the Xuanling Realm."

The prizes for the first lottery draw were pretty good.

Fu Changsheng decided to persevere.

"Continue to draw!"

The roulette wheel spun wildly once again.

"Ding!"

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained a special inheritance: [Great Witch Ceremony - Yin Yang Transfer Technique (Inheritance Jade Talisman)] 1 piece."

[Yin-Yang Guidance Technique: Recorded is the core inheritance of an ancient high priest who was proficient in the Yin-Yang cycle of reincarnation. This technique is not a combat method, but a supreme secret method specifically used to communicate between the Yin and Yang realms, locate the spirits of the dead, guide the souls of the deceased, and establish a stable Yin-Yang channel. To master this technique, one must possess extremely high spiritual talent and an affinity for the laws of Yin and Yang.]

Note: When this technique is mastered, it can temporarily open a small Yin-Yang path, forming the core foundation for establishing a family reincarnation system and guiding heroic spirits. The inheritance jade talisman can directly infuse knowledge, but the depth of comprehension depends on individual talent.

As Fu Changsheng looked at the jade talisman that emitted a soft white light and seemed to contain countless tiny soul shadows floating inside, even with his composure, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy!
It's like someone just sent you a pillow when you're sleepy!
Just now, Elder Fu mentioned that constructing the Yin-Yang Path required a Grand Wizard of at least the fourth rank to preside over the formation, and now, the inheritance of the [Grand Wizard Priest's Yin-Yang Guiding Technique] had been delivered directly to him! Although the requirements for mastering this technique were extremely high, the Fu family had many disciples, so finding a suitable candidate was not impossible. Even if no one could fully master it for the time being, the profound mysteries of Yin-Yang positioning and guiding the souls of the dead would still have immeasurable reference value for his understanding of the Underworld and the construction of the Yin-Yang Path!
There is one last chance to win a prize.

Fu Changsheng calmed himself down and started the roulette wheel again.

The roulette wheel spun rapidly, faster than the previous two times, and finally came to a slow stop in an extremely blurry area, as if shrouded in chaotic air currents.

"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained the special status [Chaos Baptism (once)]."

An indescribable, extremely pure chaotic energy appeared out of thin air, not from the outside world, but directly affecting the depths of Fu Changsheng's own chaotic foundation! This energy was gentle yet powerful, as if it originated from the beginning of creation, carrying the magical power of cleansing, purifying, and replenishing the origin.

Fu Changsheng had a sudden inspiration and immediately sat down cross-legged, activating the foundational method from the "Chao Yun Yuan Ying Secret Technique (Fragment)" that he had just obtained.

boom!
A chaotic energy swept through his entire body, merging into his limbs, meridians, dantian, and even his soul and sea of ​​consciousness. He felt his chaotic foundation becoming more refined and pure under the influence of this power. Minor flaws and hidden dangers left by rapid advancement and successive battles were quietly smoothed away. His magical power became more refined, his soul more transparent, and his connection with the various elemental energies of heaven and earth became clearer and more harmonious.

This is not a direct improvement in cultivation level, but rather a strengthening of the foundation and an enhancement of potential, which will have immeasurable benefits for his future path.

After a long while, the chaotic energy completely merged into his body, and the [Chaotic Baptism] state ended.

Fu Changsheng opened his eyes, a fleeting look of chaos in them, and felt incredibly comfortable all over, reaching an unprecedented peak in his condition.

at the same time.

A line of text flashed across the consciousness panel:
【Creative Foundation: (80/100)】

They are only one-fifth away from achieving a perfect Chaos Dao Foundation, and victory is assured!
"Three lottery draws, and the results were all extraordinary."

Fu Changsheng was satisfied.

With a thought, he took out the three [Mysterious Yin Condensing Pills] he had obtained from Elder Youquan, wrapped them in his divine sense, and sent them into the Netherworld, where they were suspended in front of Qiuchan, who was cultivating.

"Autumn Cicada, this is for you, to help you form your core."

In the underworld, Qiu Chan looked at the spiritual fruit radiating pure, cold yin energy before her, feeling its immense benefits for stabilizing the soul and purifying yin essence of the yin spirit. Her eyes flashed with emotion and determination.

"Thank you for the treasure, Master! Qiu Chan will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Fu Changsheng exited the Five Elements Space.

He did not return to the Great Zhou Dynasty; he had two important matters to attend to in the far west.

...

...

Several days later, a hundred miles away from Zhenyuan Pass, in that secluded mountain valley.

The night remained deep, and the wind howled. Fu Molan, Fu Yongning, and Fu Changli, carrying Ouyang Fei who was still unconscious but whose breathing had stabilized considerably, quietly arrived according to the agreed-upon signal.

Almost the instant they appeared, a tall figure draped in a black cloak appeared before them like a ghost—it was Yue Zhenshan. His gaze was like lightning, quickly sweeping over the four of them, especially lingering for a moment on Ouyang Fei on Fu Molan's back, confirming his identity.

However, when he realized that the expected figure was not among the crowd, Yue Zhenshan's usually calm and resolute face furrowed almost imperceptibly. He did not see Fu Changsheng.

Time was of the essence; patrolling cultivators or sentries from the three major sects could pass by at any moment beyond the pass. Yue Zhenshan suppressed his doubts and a heavy sigh, not asking a single question. Some things were useless to ask, only adding to the sorrow. He knew all too well the dangers of the far west; Fu Changsheng was alone, covering the rear, facing a three-way encirclement, his chances of survival... were slim.

"Follow me, and keep quiet." Yue Zhenshan said succinctly, then turned and left. His steps were steady and swift, leading the four of them around the guards in the pass, along a rugged path concealed by an array, and silently through the huge barrier that enveloped the border and flowed with spiritual light.

The entire process went more smoothly than expected, without triggering any alarms or encountering any checks. Only when their feet truly touched the solid ground of the Great Zhou Dynasty and they felt the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, so different from that of the far west, carrying a sense of balance and peace, did Fu Molan and the other two breathe a sigh of relief in unison, their tense minds finally relaxing slightly.

Yue Zhenshan stood inside the barrier, looking at the four still shaken people, and said in a deep voice, "This place is now within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and it is relatively safe. You can head east along this road, and there will be people to guide you back to your families. I have duties to perform, so I cannot see you off any further. Take care."

His gaze swept over the four people again, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he simply clasped his hands in a fist salute, and his figure disappeared into the night. He did not voice the regret he felt for Fu Changsheng's death or the worry he felt for the future of the Fu family.

Fu Molan and the other two dared not delay. They silently bowed in the direction where Yue Zhenshan had disappeared, and then, with Ouyang Fei, they sped off towards the east.

……

Less than a day.

Zhenyuan Pass, the study of the general's mansion.

Yue Zhenshan was reviewing military documents when a personal guard commander silently entered and respectfully placed a encrypted jade slip with a special flame pattern on his desk.

"General, urgent report from Hidden Shadow, from 'Owl'."

Yue Zhenshan put down his pen and picked up the jade slip. This "Xiao" was his deepest and highest-ranking spy in the far west, and he would never use this line unless it was a matter of earth-shattering importance.

He separated a wisp of his divine consciousness and probed into the jade slip.

The next moment, this seasoned general, who had seen countless battles and storms, tightened his grip on the jade slip, his tiger-like eyes flashing with disbelief! He even leaned forward slightly from his seat, his breath catching in his throat!
The information within the jade slip was short, yet every word struck him like a thunderclap:

"A shocking change has occurred in the Yunlang Mountains! Fu Changsheng has appeared outside the miasma forest, activating an unknown ancient restriction that forcibly suppressed the cultivation levels of all cultivators within its range to the Pseudo-Core Stage/Third Rank! Subsequently, single-handedly, he reversed the tide and killed three Pseudo-Infant Realm experts: Huanxi Shangren, the leader of the Huanxi Sect; Xiong Gang, the Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain; and Youquan Laoren, the Grand Elder of the Xuanming Sect! Afterwards... he slaughtered nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators from the three sects trapped within the restriction! He is suspected of using some kind of thunderous spiritual treasure that can devour blood, qi, and soul! The scene... is littered with corpses, and Golden Core cultivators have fallen like rain! The high-end combat forces of the three sects heading to the Yunlang Mountains are almost... completely wiped out!"

"...slaying three false infants...slaughtering nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators...the entire army was wiped out..."

Yue Zhenshan slowly leaned back in his chair, repeatedly chewing on those words. Even with his composure and willpower, a huge wave of emotions surged within him at this moment!

He had previously thought that Fu Changsheng's ability to slay a fake infant was already an incredible feat for someone in the Golden Core realm. Therefore, he regretted Fu Changsheng's possible demise and admired his sense of responsibility and loyalty.

But now... this is no longer a heroic feat; it's a miracle! It's a massacre! It's a cataclysmic event that could shake the entire far west and even potentially impact the regional landscape!
One man, one battle, and he nearly severed an arm of the three dominant sects in the far west! What terrifying combat power! What ruthless and decisive methods!

Yue Zhenshan couldn't help but recall Fu Changsheng's clear and determined eyes that night, and his words, "Even if it's a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, Changsheng will go."

At the time, he only felt it was a tragic responsibility, but now it seems... it was clearly the absolute confidence and disdain of a strong person!
"What a remarkable Fu Changsheng! What a worthy number one person below the Nascent Soul stage!" Yue Zhenshan exhaled a long breath, his eyes filled with shock, emotion, and a hint of relief he himself didn't even realize. He was glad he had made the right choice that day, forging a positive connection. With the strength and potential this young man has shown so far, his future... is simply limitless!
……

Almost at the same time.

At the headquarters of the Great Zhou Celestial Surveillance Bureau, in front of the towering jade wall displaying the "Ranking of Celestial Surveillance Officials' Merits," which is hundreds of feet high and constantly updated with data.

Some patrolling angels on their days off or handing over duties were gathered in twos and threes under the jade wall, exchanging information or paying attention to the changes in the rankings.

Suddenly, above the jade wall, a name that was originally outside the top fifty and not particularly eye-catching suddenly flashed with a dazzling platinum light, and the merit value thereafter began to jump and surge wildly at an astonishing speed!
Each jump represents a leap across several places!
249...142...35...31...

In the end, under the gaze of countless astonished and incredulous eyes, that name broke through the barrier of the top thirty and firmly settled in the twenty-seventh position!
Fu Changsheng!
Beneath the jade disc, an instant silence fell.

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the name that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

"Fu Changsheng? Is he the newly promoted fifth-rank patrol envoy?"

"What did he do? Did he wipe out a medium-sized demon lair? How did his merit points increase so much?!"

"Top thirty... My god, apart from those few who were already designated as 'monsters' with powerful backgrounds, could Fu Changsheng... already possess Nascent Soul level combat power?"

"The number one person below the Nascent Soul stage... I'm afraid it has to be him!"

After a brief silence, even more heated discussions and speculations ensued.

The name Fu Changsheng might have been known only in certain circles before, but from this moment on, he officially entered the sight of the entire Great Zhou Dynasty's high-ranking officials and all the patrol envoys, becoming a hot new star full of legend and mystery!
...

...

Wuzhou, the Huang family, a sixth-rank official.

Inside the lavishly decorated study, Clan Chief Huang was sipping spiritual tea with a smug look on his face, plotting how to leverage his great-uncle's position in the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion and the connection with Princess Runyu to gain more benefits for the family.

Just then, the trusted elder staggered in, his face deathly pale, clutching a jade slip that had just been sent through secret channels.

"Chief! Something terrible has happened! In the far west... Fu Changsheng... he..."

Clan Chief Huang frowned and put down his teacup with displeasure: "What's the panic? What happened to Fu Changsheng? Could it be that he has finally been captured by the Joyful Sect?" His tone was tinged with anticipation.

"No...no!" The trusted elder's voice trembled, almost unable to hold the jade slip. "It's a victory report! A victory report from Fu Changsheng! He...he, in the Yunlang Mountains, single-handedly killed the leader of the Joyful Sect, two Grand Elders of the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain and the Xuanming Sect, and three Nascent Soul cultivators! He also...he slaughtered nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators from the three major sects!"

"puff--!"

Chief Huang suddenly spat out the spirit tea he had just taken a sip, splashing it onto the expensive sandalwood desk in front of him. He snatched the jade slip and frantically poured his divine sense into it.

When the bloody and shocking information in the jade slip was presented to his mind without reservation, the color drained from the face of the Huang clan chief at a visible speed, and the hand holding the jade slip began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Impossible... This is absolutely impossible!" he roared in a hoarse voice, veins bulging on his forehead. "Three fake Nascent Souls! Nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators! Is Fu Changsheng a reincarnation of a demon god?! What are those sects in the far west doing? Are they all useless trash who grew up eating shit?! So many people couldn't even do anything to a mere Golden Core junior!"

He slammed the jade slip to the ground, shattering the expensive item into pieces instantly. A surge of rage erupted within him like a volcano, a fury fueled by the incompetence of the sects in the far west, but also by an uncontrollable fear emanating from the depths of his very soul!

I was terrified!
Like a cold, venomous snake, it instantly coiled around his heart, almost suffocating him. The trigger for all this… was him! It was he who, in order to seize the Fu family's opportunity, secretly instructed the Scorpion to leak the news that the Fu family's secret realm, the Water Cloud Cave Heaven, was hidden in the extinct volcano of Huixi County, to the Joyful Sect!

He originally thought that by using someone else to do the dirty work, he could easily eliminate the emerging Fu family, which might threaten the Huang family's position.

But he never expected that Fu Changsheng was not a lamb to the slaughter, but a ferocious beast in sheep's clothing! The Joyful Sect's sword not only failed to cut Fu Changsheng, but was also shattered to pieces, causing heavy losses to Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain and Xuanming Sect as well!
If... if Fu Changsheng finds out that it was the Huang family who were behind this...

Clan Chief Huang shivered, a chill running from his feet to the top of his head. With Fu Changsheng's terrifying combat power—capable of slaying three fake Infant cultivators and slaughtering nearly a hundred Golden Core cultivators—if he wanted to retaliate against the Huang family… how could his small sixth-rank clan possibly withstand it? They would likely be annihilated in an instant, leaving not a single survivor!
"Calm down! You must calm down!" Chief Huang forced down his fear, gripping the armrests of the chair tightly with both hands until his knuckles turned white from the force.

He took a few deep breaths, his eyes turning sinister again:
"It's alright...it's alright! I've already personally silenced Poison Scorpion, annihilating him completely! All the subordinates who knew about it have also been wiped out! This matter was handled flawlessly, and even if Fu Changsheng has extraordinary abilities, he will never be able to trace it back to my Huang family!"

Thinking of this, his panicked mind calmed down a little. Then, a sense of confidence rose from the bottom of his heart.

"Moreover..." A ruthless glint flashed in the eyes of the Huang Clan Chief, "My great-uncle in the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion has already gone into seclusion to break through to the Nascent Soul stage! Once he successfully emerges from seclusion and advances to the Nascent Soul True Monarch stage, my Huang family will become a Nascent Soul family! At that time, even if Fu Changsheng finds out, what can he do? Would he dare to harm a relative of a Nascent Soul True Monarch?"

"And there's Princess Runyu!" He seemed to have grasped another lifeline, and his back straightened involuntarily. "The princess has been in seclusion for many years, and according to news from within the palace, she is about to break through to the Nascent Soul stage! With my great-uncle and the princess as my backers, even if Fu Changsheng has heaven-defying combat power, would he dare to offend two potential Nascent Soul True Monarchs at the same time? My Huang family is as stable as Mount Tai!"

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and the fear on his face gradually gave way to a bluffing toughness. Indeed, the Huang family was no longer the same as before; with two powerful figures standing behind them, why should they fear a nouveau riche like Fu Changsheng who had no real foundation?

However, the faint unease deep within her heart could not be completely dispelled. The strength and ruthlessness that Fu Changsheng had displayed this time were far too terrifying.

"However..." Chief Huang pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and finally made the worst-case scenario plan and arrangements as a precaution.

He summoned another absolutely loyal confidant and whispered, "Go do it immediately! Select twenty of the most talented and purest-blooded elite disciples from the clan, led by Elder Huang Shan, and send them through the secret teleportation array to our hidden stronghold in the 'Black Swamp' in the far west."

"Tell them that without my personal order, no one is to leave the stronghold! They should stay there and focus on their cultivation and building up their strength! All resources should be prioritized for them!"

"Yes, Chieftain!" The trusted aide acknowledged the order and quietly withdrew.

Watching his trusted confidant leave, Chief Huang slowly sat back down in his chair, his eyes filled with uncertain emotions.

He made two preparations. On the surface, he relied on two powerful backers, not believing that Fu Changsheng would dare to touch him. Secretly, he moved the future lineage of his family, so that even if... even if something unexpected happened, his Huang family would not be wiped out.

"Fu Changsheng..." he murmured to himself, his voice carrying a hint of fear that he himself was unaware of, "I hope you don't seek your own death! Otherwise, no matter how capable you are, the backing of the Huang family is not something you can afford to offend!"

He picked up the now-cold spiritual tea and drank it all in one gulp, but the icy liquid could not extinguish the flame burning in his heart, a flame fueled by a mixture of fear and ambition.

...

...

Deep within Black Wind Canyon, an abandoned mine shaft.

Scorpion sat cross-legged on the cold stone ground, a faint, dark green poisonous mist swirling around him. With each breath, the mist surged and merged into his gaunt body. His tightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open, filled with resentment and hatred that almost solidified.

"The Huang family... Old dog Huang!" He gritted his teeth, his voice like sandpaper scraping, "How many shady things has my Black Scorpion Gang done for you! Leaking the Fu family's secret realm, attacking the Fu family's caravan... Every single one of these things, wasn't it risking our lives? And you, once it's all over, can't wait to discard them like used tools, killing them to silence them! So many of my brothers... are all dead! All dead!"

His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood, yet he remained oblivious. That "accidental" raid against the Black Scorpion Gang was ruthless, leaving no survivors. He had only managed to escape thanks to his unique escape technique and a bit of luck, hiding in this godforsaken Black Wind Canyon. He firmly believed that the Huang family was behind this, trying to cover up their secrets related to Water Cloud Cave, and fearing he would reveal them—that was why they had taken such drastic measures!

"If I don't avenge this, I, Poison Scorpion, swear I'm not human!" he roared, his eyes burning with the flames of revenge. "The Huang family, and the Fu family... you all just wait! When my poison skills are fully mastered..."

Just as he was immersed in his delusions of hatred, an extremely intense collision of spiritual energy suddenly rang out above the canyon without warning!

Boom! Clang!
The sharp clang of clashing weapons, the booming of spells, and the woman's shrill and resolute cry mingled together, shattering the deathly silence of the canyon. Even through the thick layers of rock and the distance, the surging energy fluctuations sent shivers down the spine of the venomous scorpion.

"A battle between Golden Core cultivators?" Poison Scorpion frowned, instinctively wanting to hide even deeper. On the edge of this far west, it was better to avoid trouble.

But a strong curiosity, and a sliver of hope that "perhaps the two sides fight while the third benefits," drove him. He carefully concealed all his presence, like a true venomous snake, silently slipping out of the mine, using the shadows of the jagged rocks to peer into the battlefield above.

Above the canyon, two figures were locked in a fierce battle, their movements swift and rapid!
One of them was a woman dressed in a plain white dress. Her face, which should have been beautiful, was now deathly pale, with crimson blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Her dress was torn in several places, making her appear utterly disheveled. But her eyes shone with a frightening intensity, burning with an almost insane hatred and resolve. In her hand, a soft sword danced like a silver serpent, its sharp sword energy crisscrossing and crisscrossing, carrying a reckless, madness—each move a desperate act of mutual destruction!

"Yingshi Niang?"

Scorpion's pupils contracted slightly as he recognized this "notorious" female fiend among the lower-level cultivators in the far west.

There are many rumors about her, the most well-known being that she was mistreated and abandoned by a scion of a powerful family in her early years. Driven by hatred, her personality changed drastically, and she began targeting ruthless and heartless men from noble families, relentlessly pursuing them until death. Unexpectedly, she possesses the cultivation of a Golden Core!
The fact that someone was chasing her made Scorpion even more alarmed.

The man was dressed entirely in black, his face covered by a deathly white mask that revealed only his eyes – the symbol of the Shadow Gate! The Shadow Gate, a mysterious and terrifying assassin organization, takes money and never fails. What deity had Ying Shiniang offended to warrant the Shadow Gate sending a Golden Core assassin to kill her?
The Shadow Gate assassin moved with ghostly grace, weaving freely through Ying Shiniang's raging swordplay. His pair of short, black daggers were precise and deadly with each thrust, aimed directly at the vital points and key areas of Ying Shiniang's magical power. His attacks lacked the overwhelming force of Ying Shiniang's, but were far more sinister and cunning, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows.

"Faithless men deserve to die! You lackeys of noble families deserve to die too!"

Ying Shiniang roared, her swordplay becoming increasingly frenzied, even at the cost of injury. A fierce sword light grazed the assassin's shoulder, leaving a trail of blood, while her own left shoulder was pierced by a short dagger, blood gushing out like a fountain.

The assassin grunted, his eyes remaining cold and ruthless, his attacks becoming even more ferocious. Clearly unwilling to delay any longer, he suddenly accelerated, transforming into several afterimages, attacking Ying Shiniang from different angles. His dark daggers gleamed with an eerie light, aiming directly for her dantian and heart!
"Want to kill me? It's not that easy!"

A look of despair and madness flashed in Ying Shiniang's eyes. She did not dodge or evade, but let one of the short thorns pierce her abdomen, while she gripped the killer's arm holding the thorn tightly with both hands!

"Let's die together!"

She let out a fierce roar, and the golden core within her body spun wildly at an unprecedented speed. Her boundless magical power, mixed with her lifelong resentment and hatred, erupted like a flood bursting its banks!

boom--! ! !
A blinding white light suddenly exploded from the center of the two! The terrifying energy shockwave spread out like ripples, shattering the surrounding rocks into dust!

Even though the scorpion was far away, the shockwave made its blood boil, and it quickly lowered its body.

The light dissipated.

In mid-air, Ying Shiniang's body was mangled and fell like a kite with a broken string. Her breath had been completely extinguished, but her wide-open eyes still held endless hatred and resentment.

The Shadow Gate assassin staggered back dozens of steps before barely regaining his balance. Half of his mask was shattered, revealing a pale and shocked face. He looked down at his dantian, where his magical energy was chaotic and his aura was rapidly weakening—his golden core had been cracked and shattered by the impact of Ying Shiniang's final self-destruction!
"Cough..." He coughed up a mouthful of blood mixed with fragments of internal organs, his eyes filled with disbelief and a hint of regret. He never expected that this madwoman's final act would be so devastating, directly destroying his foundation!
The assassin dared not linger any longer. He mustered his magic power and transformed into a dim streak of light, fleeing hastily towards the edge of the canyon, not even bothering to collect his spoils.

The canyon returned to deathly silence, leaving only the raging aftershocks of energy and the pervasive stench of blood.

……

Scorpion lurked in the shadows, his heart pounding with excitement. He stared intently at the Shadow Gate assassin who was fleeing in panic, his life force waning to almost nothing, then glanced down at Ying Shiniang's gradually cooling corpse.

Two Golden Core cultivators!

How many spirit stones, pills, and cultivation techniques must be in their storage bags? Especially that Shadow Gate assassin, from a mysterious organization, his wealth must be considerable! If he can succeed, why shouldn't Poison Scorpion cultivate to the Golden Core realm? At that time, taking revenge on the Huang family, and even causing trouble for Fu Changsheng, will no longer be an unattainable dream!
Greed instantly overwhelmed caution. He could see that the assassin's golden core was shattered and his foundation destroyed; he was currently at his last gasp, his weakest point!
"A golden opportunity! It's time for me, Poison Scorpion, to rise to power!" A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. Without further hesitation, he shot out from his hiding place like a ghost, catching up with the staggering assassin in a few leaps.

"Who?!" The assassin noticed the movement behind him and turned around in alarm, only to see the scorpion's face twisted with greed, and a hand covered in dark green poisonous light, piercing straight into his heart!
"The one who will send you on your way!" Scorpion grinned maliciously, unleashing a full-force attack!
Normally, he would be no match for this Shadow Gate assassin, but at this moment, the assassin's golden core was shattered, his magic power was reduced to less than one-tenth, and his soul was unstable due to the impact of the self-destruction. Faced with the scorpion's long-planned sneak attack, he was unable to put up an effective resistance.

"Pfft!"

The scorpion's hand easily pierced the assassin's chest, crushing his heart. The assassin's eyes widened, his remaining half-face filled with resentment and malice, before his life force rapidly dissipated.

"Hahaha!" Poison Scorpion was overjoyed. He quickly tore off the storage bag from the assassin's waist, then swiftly flew to Ying Shiniang's corpse and took the storage bag from her body as well. Feeling the heavy weight of the two storage bags, he seemed to see his future of advancing to the Golden Core stage and slaughtering everyone in his path.

He dared not delay, gathering poisonous fire at his fingertips, preparing to burn the two corpses to ashes and destroy the evidence.

However, just as his poisonous flames were about to touch the assassin's corpse—

A sudden change occurred!

A condensed, almost imperceptible black light suddenly shot out from the assassin's shattered dantian, and with lightning speed, it directly entered the scorpion's brow!

"what--!"

The scorpion let out a bloodcurdling scream, clutched his head, and collapsed to the ground as if his bones had been removed, convulsing violently. The ecstasy on his face was instantly replaced by boundless pain and terror.

Seize the house!

The Shadow Gate assassin, even in his dying moments, preserved a last wisp of his divine soul essence, lurking within the shattered remains of his golden core, waiting for this very moment! He had long since sensed the presence of the Poisonous Scorpion; his previous hasty escape was merely a disguise to lure the venomous snake out of its hole! He needed a dwelling, a place where his remnant soul could temporarily reside and where he could have a chance to rebuild!

"No! Get out! This is my body!"

The scorpion's soul roared and struggled wildly in his sea of ​​consciousness. But compared to the Shadow Gate assassin who had experienced life-and-death battles and possessed bizarre methods, his soul strength was far too weak.

The assassin's remnant soul, like a cold, venomous snake, with a cruel sneer, brutally tore apart and devoured the scorpion's soul and consciousness. Simultaneously, the soul-searching spell was activated, and the scorpion's entire life's memories—including his hatred for the Huang family, his fear of Fu Changsheng, the poison techniques he cultivated, his hiding place… everything was like an open scroll, swiftly browsed and digested by the assassin.

The intense struggle and resistance gradually weakened.

After an unknown amount of time, the "Scorpion," who had collapsed to the ground, stopped convulsing. He slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes, which were originally those of a venomous scorpion, filled with resentment and cunning, were now cold and indifferent, like ancient, unyielding ice, with a trace of the cruelty and efficiency of a Shadow Gate assassin still lingering deep within.

He stood up, stretched his new and still weak body, and frowned slightly.

“Poisonous Scorpion… Black Scorpion Gang… Huang Family… Fu Changsheng… He’s quite a troublesome fellow.” He muttered to himself, his voice now carrying a chilling edge. “However, the poisonous spiritual root of this body is quite compatible with some of the assassination techniques of my Shadow Sect.”

He raised his hand to wipe away the blood that had spilled from the corner of his mouth due to the struggle between his soul and body. He then took out a human skin mask as thin as a cicada's wing and a set of jade slips containing the secrets of disguise—"The Thousand Faces Technique"—from the assassin's storage bag.

He carefully covered his face with the human skin mask, activated the core technique of the "Thousand Faces Technique," and his bones emitted subtle crackling sounds. His figure and temperament also underwent subtle changes. A moment later, the person standing in the same spot was an ordinary-looking, unremarkable middle-aged cultivator who would be easily lost in a crowd. His cultivation level remained at the late Foundation Establishment stage, neither conspicuous nor someone who would be easily bullied.

"The scorpion is dead," he said calmly, a statement that was both a declaration and a severing of ties with the past.

He checked the two storage bags. Ying Shiniang's wealth was decent, but the assassin's savings were much greater, especially since there was a token representing a member of the Shadow Gate's outer circle and some talismans and pills for survival and escape.

“The most urgent task is to restore my strength as soon as possible. This body’s foundation is too weak, and I need to form my core again.” His eyes flickered as he searched for information about the far west from the memories of the scorpion. “The once-in-a-century ‘Netherworld Market’ auction is about to begin… Perhaps I can find the Core Formation spiritual items I need there.”

He didn't linger. He cleaned up the scene, erasing all possible traces of him, and then transformed into an inconspicuous streak of light, leaving the Black Wind Canyon that had brought him both "opportunity" and destruction, heading towards the Netherworld Market, deep in the far west, where a grand auction was about to be held.

...

...

Deep within Black Wind Canyon, an abandoned mine shaft.

Fu Changsheng stood in the empty cave, his brows slightly furrowed. There were traces of someone briefly resting on the ground, and a faint, sweet-smelling odor of scorpion poison had not yet completely dissipated, but the person was nowhere to be found.

"I'm a step too late." He scanned his surroundings with his divine sense and confirmed that the scorpion had indeed left, and had left in a rather hurried manner.

However, although the primary objective of this trip had not been achieved, another objective was within reach. With a thought, he released the blue-faced white fox from the Five Elements Space. The little creature's nostrils flared, and its bright eyes gleamed in the dim mine. It quickly locked onto a direction, emitting a soft "woofing" sound, and led Fu Changsheng deeper into the mine.

After winding its way through several bends, the blue-faced white fox stopped in front of a rock wall that seemed to be the end of the road, and gently scratched the ground with its paws.

A chaotic light flickered in Fu Changsheng's eyes as his [Clear Mind and Bright Vision] divine ability quietly activated. The seemingly solid rock wall before him began to distort and fade in his vision, revealing a hidden illusionary barrier formed by a combination of natural ley lines and some sophisticated array. This illusionary array was extremely intricate; had he not possessed a powerful divine sense and divine abilities, he would have been completely unaware of it.

"As expected, it's here." Fu Changsheng confirmed that the intelligence was correct. He took a step forward, his figure seemingly passing through an invisible water curtain, easily piercing through the illusion array that "only allowed exit, not entry." This array was extremely strong in its external defense, but internally, and for him who could see through illusions, it was practically useless.

Suddenly, a small stone chamber opened up before them. In the center of the chamber, the skeleton of a woman dressed in a pale purple palace gown, seated cross-legged, came into view. The skeleton was translucent, faintly gleaming with a jade-like light, indicating that she had possessed considerable cultivation in life, at least at the late Golden Core stage. Despite the passage of countless years, she remained immortal.

However, just as Fu Changsheng's gaze fell on a seemingly ordinary phoenix-shaped jade pendant at the skeleton's waist, a sudden change occurred!
The jade pendant trembled slightly, and a wisp of extremely faint, seemingly about-to-dissipate pink remnant soul drifted out, coalescing in the air into a blurry, phantom image of a woman in palace attire. Her features were no longer clearly discernible, but one could vaguely discern her graceful and charming appearance in life.

The woman's remnant soul looked at Fu Changsheng and sensed his late-stage Golden Core cultivation. A hint of undisguised disappointment seemed to flash across her illusory face.

"Nearly a thousand years have passed... and finally, someone has emerged who can see through the 'Illusory Wall of Heaven'..." Her voice carried the vicissitudes and weakness accumulated over the years, "Unfortunately, he is only at the late stage of the Golden Core realm..."

She remained silent for a moment, her soul body trembling slightly, clearly weighing her options. Finally, that hint of disappointment was replaced by a resolute expression: "So be it. My soul power cannot sustain me for another hundred years. Young one, I wish to make a deal with you, what do you say?"

(End of this chapter)