Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 640 The Struggle for the Heir Apparent: Ascending to the Fifth Rank!
Haiyun nodded, gently scooped up a small piece of the elixir with a jade spoon, and put it in her mouth.

The elixir melts upon entering the mouth, transforming into a gentle yet powerful stream of pure energy that instantly flows throughout the body.

她只觉得周身法力仿佛被洗涤一般，变得愈发精纯凝练，连带着经脉都传来一阵舒畅的温热感，原本一些修炼中留下的细微暗伤，似乎都在被缓缓修复。

"What an amazing feeling!"

海云美眸亮起：

"The magic power has indeed become much purer, and its nourishing effect on the foundation is excellent! Husband, your [Jadeite Ointment] is a success!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongfu let out a long sigh of relief, a bright smile of relief spreading across his face.
"It's good that it works! It's good that it works! Let me optimize the prescription a bit more and make more of it. It will definitely increase your chances of achieving Core Formation!"

Just then, the communication jade talisman in Fu Yongfu's arms vibrated slightly.

他取出一看，神色顿时一肃。

“是父亲的传讯，召我即刻前去。”

海云连忙道：“父亲召见必有要事，你快去吧。”

傅永富点点头，又叮嘱了海云几句好好炼化灵膏药力，便整理了一下衣袍，匆匆向傅长生的密室赶去。心中暗自猜测，父亲此时召见，所为何事？难道与他刚刚研制成功的灵膳有关？
...

...

Chamber of Secrets.

"Your son greets Father," Fu Yongfu bowed.

傅长生微微颔首：“富哥儿，近来修行与灵膳钻研，可还顺利？”

“回父亲，孩儿修为还停在金丹初期，不过，研究数年的四阶灵膳【琉璃净玉膏】倒是成功了，此药膳于淬炼法力、打熬根基颇有奇效。”

提到灵膳时，傅永富眼中自然流露出热切的光芒。

"Yes, Not Bad"

傅长生摊开手掌。

A strange seed, shaped like a peach, with a surface flowing with golden-red light and naturally engraved with Taotie patterns, floated quietly in his palm. The seed pulsated slightly as if it were alive, emitting an alluring fragrance and profound Daoist charm.

"This item is called the [Heavenly Chef Seed]," Fu Changsheng said solemnly. "It is formed from the essence of immortal cuisine, and only those with the Ten Thousand Cuisine Spirit Body can receive it. Today, I, your father, bestow it upon you."

“天…天厨法种？”

傅永富瞪大了眼睛。

法种出现刹那，他感觉浑身血液仿佛沸腾起来。

“盘膝坐下，抱元守一，引导你体内的万膳灵体本源之气，为父助你炼化！”傅长生吩咐道。

"Yes, father!"

Realizing what was happening, Fu Yongfu suppressed his excitement and, as instructed, sat cross-legged on the futon in the center of the study, closed his eyes, and focused all his energy on circulating his internal energy.

Upon seeing this, Fu Changsheng pointed his fingers like a sword and pointed it in mid-air.

The [Heavenly Chef Seed] transformed into a golden-red stream of light, like a fledgling returning to its nest, and precisely entered Fu Yongfu's ancestral aperture between his eyebrows!
"Om-!"

The moment the seed of Dharma entered his body, Fu Yongfu's whole body trembled violently.

无数关于食材处理、火候掌控、灵气调和、药性搭配的玄奥知识，以及一种名为《九转玲珑膳》的无上传承，疯狂涌入他的记忆。

Stimulated by this shared power, his Myriad Flavors Spirit Body became active and evolved at an unprecedented speed. His body began to emit a faint golden-red halo, and countless tiny Taotie patterns seemed to be moving and condensing beneath his skin.

This force is too immense.

Fu Yongfu felt as if his sea of ​​consciousness and meridians were about to burst, and a look of pain appeared on his face.

"Keep your mind focused and guide the power of the Dharma Seed to reshape your spiritual body!" Fu Changsheng's low shout rang in his ears like a morning bell.

同时，一股精纯磅礴、却又温和无比的法力自傅长生掌心渡入傅永富体内，如同最可靠的堤坝，帮他疏导着那奔腾的膳道洪流，护住他的经脉与丹田，引导着法种的力量与他本身的万膳灵体完美融合。

I do not know how long it has been.

The aura emanating from Fu Yongfu gradually subsided.

感受着体内翻天覆地的变化，以及脑海中那浩瀚的《九转玲珑膳》传承，傅永富激动得难以自持：

"Thank you, Father, for this blessing! I will certainly live up to this opportunity, exhaust the art of food, and bring prosperity to our family!"

at the same time.

A line of text appeared on Fu Changsheng's consciousness panel:

Family Contribution Points: 40000

...

...

Inside a huge martial arts training ground specially set up behind the Fu family's mountain.

Fu Molan, dressed in plain clothes, moved her ten fingers swiftly like butterflies flitting among flowers, leaving behind afterimages.

Under her control, the thirty-six puppets in the arena, each with a different shape and all reaching the third rank, were moving along a mysterious trajectory, echoing each other and connecting with each other's energy, faintly forming a chilling battle formation.

Some of these puppets resembled fierce tigers with gleaming claws; others were like agile apes with lithe bodies; still others were like armored warriors wielding spears, their steps perfectly synchronized... The thirty-six puppets moved in perfect unison, combining offense and defense, advancing and retreating with precision. The combined pressure they exuded was no less than that of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator!

就在战阵运转到最关键处，即将演练合击之术时，傅墨兰怀中一枚特制的传讯玉符微微震动起来。

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, but her hands continued moving without pause; the thirty-six puppets maintained their tight formation. She sent a wisp of her divine sense to scan the jade talisman.

"Mo Lan, come to the secret room immediately."

The master of the household summons you!

傅墨兰手中法诀一变，神识如潮水般收回。

刹那间，那原本杀气腾腾、运转如飞的三十六具傀儡如同被按下了暂停键，动作勐地一滞，随即井然有序地停止了所有动作，迅速退回到演武场边缘指定的位置，整齐列队，眼中的灵光暗澹下去，恢复了沉寂。整个演武场内那令人窒息的肃杀之气也随之消散。

傅墨兰长长吐出一口浊气，平复了一下略微急促的呼吸和消耗不小的神识。

身形一闪，便化作一道墨色流光，朝着傅长生密室的方向疾驰而去。

...

...

吴家议事厅内，气氛凝重。

“Ancestor, the Fu family needs information on fourth-tier demonic beasts with five elemental attributes… Do we… do we really have to report on that ‘Earth Armor Dragon’ in Qiannan Mountain? Our Wu family has spent decades of effort and invested a lot of resources, just waiting for it to survive the tribulation and capture it when it is at its weakest, to be our clan’s guardian spirit beast! If we succeed, our Wu family will gain another Golden Core warrior. Why should we continue to depend on others and live in fear?”

"Foolish! Do you think the Fu family won't know just because we don't tell them?"

Old Master Wu's tone turned stern:

"How far is Qiannan Mountain from the Fu family's sphere of influence? Once that Earth Armor Dragon triggers a fourth-order lightning tribulation, how could such a celestial phenomenon escape the Fu family's notice? The Fu family urgently needs a fourth-order demon beast to complete their advancement ceremony. What will they do then? Will they politely come and negotiate with us, or will they directly seize it?"

Chief Wu was speechless when asked the question, and his face turned slightly pale.

吴老祖站起身，走到窗前，望着傅家方向，叹道：
"The Seven Princes who opposed the Fu family have fallen; the Huang family of the past has been wiped out. What can our Wu family use to contend with the Fu family now? Is it with our meager early-stage Golden Core cultivation, or with the hundreds of Foundation Establishment disciples in our clan?"

He turned around, his gaze sharply fixed on Chief Wu:
"By proactively reporting this, we can also do the Fu family a favor and leave a good impression. After the Fu family is promoted to the fifth rank, they will definitely select capable individuals to support as new vassal families. This is our Wu family's opportunity to advance further!"

"Following the Fu family might not make us rich and powerful immediately, but at least it can ensure the stability of our clan and allow us to gradually build our strength. Fu Changsheng is already at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage at such a young age, and his combat power is unfathomable. For him, condensing his Nascent Soul is probably only a matter of time. At that time, the Fu family will be a Nascent Soul family! By relying on this powerful family, we can at least develop steadily!"

"Ancestor... I misunderstood!" Clan Chief Wu bowed and admitted his mistake, his tone filled with lingering fear and relief. "Then... then I will personally go to the Fu family to report this matter?"

吴老祖沉吟片刻，摇了摇头：
"This matter is of great importance, so I will go there myself. You stay in the clan and keep a close watch on the situation in Qiannan Mountain. If there are any unusual developments, please inform me immediately."

...

...

傅家迎客偏殿内，吴老祖被恭敬地引入。

当他看到在此接待他的竟是欧阳扉时，眼中不禁闪过一丝复杂与羡慕。

想当年，欧阳扉还是他们这些周边小家族茶余饭后的谈资，被九品平家逼得隐姓埋名，东躲西藏，何等狼狈。

But his fate changed completely after he joined the Fu family.

The Fu family not only helped him take revenge and crush the Ping family, but also provided him with unimaginable resources. Now, looking at Ouyang Fei, his aura is profound, and he has already reached the fifth level of the Golden Core stage! How many years has it been? He has already reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core stage!

Such a cultivation speed is something even Wu Laozu, who has cultivated diligently for hundreds of years, could not match.

当真是背靠大树好乘凉啊！
"Fellow Daoist Ouyang, how have you been?" Old Ancestor Wu suppressed his emotions and bowed in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, you're too kind. Please have a seat." Ouyang Fei, now a core elder of the Fu family, possessed a composed demeanor and an inherent air of authority. He dismissed those around him and asked directly, "I've heard that Fellow Daoist Wu has come here with an important clue regarding a fourth-tier earth-attribute demonic beast?"

"Exactly."

吴老祖不敢怠慢，连忙将黔南山地甲龙的情况详细道来，包括其准四阶的修为、闭关冲击的状态、预估的渡劫时间，乃至吴家为了使其顺利突破而暗中投喂灵物等细节，都和盘托出，以示诚意。

After hearing this, Ouyang Fei's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

土属性，即将渡劫的准四阶妖兽，这简直是送上门的厚礼！他看向吴老祖，郑重道：

“吴道友此番心意，我傅家记下了。此事若成，算我傅家欠吴家一个人情。”

吴老祖闻言，心中一块大石落地，连忙谦逊道：

"Fellow Daoist Ouyang, you flatter me. It is an honor for my Wu family to be able to do my part for the Fu family."

Ouyang Fei acted swiftly and decisively, immediately rising to his feet:

“事不宜迟，我这就请天音仙子一同前往黔南山，务必在那地甲龙渡劫前后，将其拿下！”

Seeing this, Old Master Wu had an idea and volunteered:
“欧阳道友，老夫对黔南山地形以及那地甲龙的习性颇为熟悉，愿一同前往，或可略尽绵薄之力，也可为二位引路。”

After a moment's thought, Ouyang Fei nodded in agreement:

“也好，那便有劳吴道友了。”

...

...

黔南山，深处。

Ancient trees reach for the sky, vines entwine, and the rich, primal spiritual energy is almost impenetrable, yet it also carries a wild and fierce aura.

Several streaks of light descended silently, revealing the figures of Ouyang Fei, Fairy Tianyin, and Old Ancestor Wu. Not far away, several figures hidden under a disguise formation quickly approached; they were all cultivators from the Wu family on duty guarding this place.

"Ancestor!"

When the leading man, a late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, saw Old Ancestor Wu, he immediately bowed, but his gaze involuntarily swept towards the profound Ouyang Fei and the aloof and ethereal Tianyin Fairy, his face revealing tension and doubt.

吴老祖微微颔首，语气平静却带着不容置疑：

"The matter of the Earth Armor Dragon has been reported to the Fu family. This place is now under the management of the Fu family elders."

"what?!"

此言一出，几名吴家修士脸色骤变，那汉子更是勐地抬头，眼中充满了错愕、不甘，乃至一丝压抑的愤怒。

They lived and slept here for nearly twenty years, enduring wind and rain!
眼看那地甲龙气息日渐圆满，雷劫将至，收获在即，族中竟将这天大的机缘拱手让人？
Twenty years of hard work, all for naught?
The men's chests heaved, their breathing became heavier, and their faces were filled with resentment.

Ouyang Fei took in their reactions without changing his expression, and gently flicked his sleeve.

Several exquisite jade bottles appeared out of thin air, hovering in front of the Wu family cultivators. The stoppers were slightly open, releasing a refreshing fragrance that invigorated the spirit.

“The late stage of the Purple Mansion realm is not easy to achieve. This is the [Condensation Pill], which can help you refine your mana and break through to the peak of the Purple Mansion realm.” Ouyang Fei’s voice was calm, yet it carried the unique majesty of a Golden Core cultivator. “Thank you all for your hard work these past years.”

那几名吴家修士愣住了，看着眼前灵气盎然的玉瓶，脸上的不忿瞬间被惊愕与难以置信取代。

Condensed Elixir!
这可是他们梦寐以求，需积攒大量家族贡献才有可能换取的破境宝丹！傅家前辈竟随手就赠予了他们？而且，一人一瓶！
几人下意识地看向自家老祖。

吴老祖脸上带着澹澹的笑意，微不可察地点了点头。

几人顿时如梦初醒，慌忙收起玉瓶，激动得手脚都有些无措，先前所有的不服与怨气顷刻间烟消云散，只剩下满满的感激与敬畏。那为首的汉子更是躬身到底，语气无比恭敬：

“多谢前辈厚赐！晚辈等定当全力配合！”

After a brief pause, he stepped forward, lowered his voice, and recounted without reservation all the information they had gathered over the past twenty years about the Earth Armor Dragon's habits, the caves where it lurked, its strongest defenses on its back and relatively weaker weaknesses such as its abdomen and eyelids, as well as its special ability to draw upon the power of the earth's veins.

欧阳扉与天音仙子静静听着，不时微微颔首。

After the man finished speaking.

Ouyang Fei's eyes flashed like lightning, instantly discerning the key point—although the spiritual energy here was abundant, it was insufficient to support the Earth Armor Dragon in completing its final transformation.

"Fairy, lend it a hand and set up a spirit-gathering array!"

欧阳扉袖袍一甩，顿时，数千枚晶莹剔透、灵气逼人的中品灵石如星河般挥洒而出，悬浮在半空之中，映照得周围山林一片璀璨。

Fairy Tianyin nodded, her delicate hand waving lightly, and array flags transformed into streams of light, precisely disappearing into the surrounding earth vein nodes.

A simple yet highly efficient spirit-gathering array instantly took shape, frantically seizing the spirit stones and spiritual energy provided by Ouyang Fei, and drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in a wider area, transforming it into a visible torrent of spiritual energy, like a celestial river flowing backwards, crashing into the mountain range where the Earth Armor Dragon was lurking.

"Roar--!"

得到这股沛然灵气的补充，山中传来一声混合着痛苦与畅快的沉闷咆孝，那地甲龙的气息以惊人的速度攀升、圆满！
Half an hour later, the world suddenly went dark.

Thick, dark clouds gathered from all directions, pressing down heavily over the mountains of Qiannan. Within the clouds, golden, cyan, and blue lightning bolts darted and crisscrossed, radiating a terrifying aura of heaven!
“是三色雷劫！”吴老祖脸色凝重。

Boom card!

The first thick, three-colored lightning bolt, carrying destructive power, crashed down fiercely!
山石崩裂处，一头庞然大物勐地冲天而起！它形如巨蜥，身披厚重如岩石的土黄色鳞甲，四肢粗壮如柱，正是那准四阶妖兽——地甲龙！它仰天怒吼，周身土黄色光芒大盛，硬生生以背部最坚硬的甲壳接下了这第一击。

The lightning exploded, and the massive body of the Earth Armor Dragon shuddered violently, its scales charred black, but it ultimately withstood the attack.

然而，天威不容挑衅。

第二道雷劫紧随而至，威力更胜之前！这道雷光几乎化作实质的三色巨矛，狠狠刺下！

"Ow—!"

地甲龙发出一声凄厉的惨嚎，它凝聚的土灵护盾瞬间破碎，背部坚硬的甲壳被撕裂开一道巨大的伤口，焦黑的皮肉翻卷，鲜血如泉涌出，庞大的身躯如同陨石般从空中砸落，将地面犁出一道深沟，气息瞬间萎靡了下去。

It struggled to get up, but the third and final lightning bolt in the sky, which had gathered all the remaining power of the first two, was already taking shape in the clouds. Its majestic power locked onto it, and for the first time, despair appeared in its eyes.

没有阵法辅助，没有渡劫法宝，仅凭肉身硬抗三色雷劫，它已到了极限，绝无可能再接下这最后一击。

"go with!"

欧阳扉低喝一声，一道灰蒙蒙的影子自他袖中电射而出，迎风便长，瞬间化作一头形貌古拙、周身缭绕着混沌气息的异兽，正是傅长生赐下的混沌兽！
The Chaos Beast roared silently to the sky, its massive maw opening to generate a terrifying suction force. The three-colored lightning tribulation, powerful enough to blast even a late-stage Golden Core cultivator into dust, was continuously drawn into its belly like rivers flowing into the sea!
The power of the lightning tribulation was greatly weakened, and less than 30% of it ultimately struck the Earth Armor Dragon.

"boom!"

even so.

The heavily injured earth armor dragon was still being struck by the remaining lightning, its skin torn and its body charred black. It lay dying in the deep pit, barely able to move.

天空中的劫云终于缓缓散去。

一道蕴含着勃勃生机与精纯灵气的甘霖天露，如同金色的细雨般洒落，滋养着地甲龙近乎崩溃的肉身与妖魂。

at the same time.

“吼！”“嗷呜！”“嘶——”“唳！”

Four fierce and powerful auras suddenly erupted from the depths of the Qiannan Mountains, rapidly approaching from four different directions!

妖风席卷，林木倒伏。

It turned out to be four fourth-tier demonic beasts that had been lurking nearby, waiting for their chance!

A giant wolf, its body entirely crimson and wreathed in flames; a one-horned giant python, its scales gleaming with a metallic sheen; a demonic bird with wingspans that blot out the sky and feathers as green as jade; and a thousand-year-old tree demon wielding countless vines and exuding a terrifying aura!

Metal, Wood, Fire, Water! Four elements, four great demons!

它们的目标明确——吞噬这刚刚渡劫成功、正处于最虚弱状态的地甲龙，掠夺其妖丹与天露洗礼后的本源！

吴老祖与那几名吴家修士脸色瞬间煞白，四头四阶妖兽齐出，这等阵势，足以横扫他们吴家！
Ouyang Fei's eyes suddenly flashed with a brilliant light, showing no fear but rather a hint of joy:
“金、木、火、水……好！来得正好！加上这土属性的地甲龙，五行齐聚，家主所需的祭祀塔妖兽，便齐全了！”

They were just four early-stage fourth-tier demonic beasts.

For them, it's a piece of cake!
“仙子，布困阵，一个都不能放走！”

天音仙子神情肃然，纤纤玉指连连点出，早已准备好的阵盘与阵旗化作道道流光，瞬间勾连地气，一座笼罩方圆百里的巨大困阵光华冲天而起。

Runes flowed across the array's light barrier, isolating the inside from the outside and preventing either side from escaping.

Within the formation, the killing intent exploded instantly!
"Move! Capture him alive!"

Ouyang Fei let out a low shout and shot out like a ghost, first targeting the most ferocious [Crimson Flame Wolf King]!
The Crimson Wolf King spewed flames, and the demonic fire transformed into a giant wave that swept in.

欧阳扉不闪不避，双手结印，周身泛起深邃的紫黑色光泽——万毒之体催动到极致，却不是用来杀戮，而是禁锢！

“万毒缚灵！”

他双掌拍出，磅礴的毒元力并非散逸腐蚀，反而凝成无数道紫黑色的灵蛇，灵活地绕过烈焰，缠向狼王四肢躯干。毒蛇入体，狼王顿时感觉妖力运转滞涩，浑身酥麻，暴戾的扑击动作变得绵软无力，轰然倒地，只能发出不甘的低吼。

另一边，混沌兽独战【金鳞独角蟒】与【翡翠妖禽】。

The golden-scaled unicorn python swept its massive tail, its horn bursting with golden light; the emerald-green demon bird rained down arrows, its sonic waves assaulting the brain. The chaotic beast let out a deep roar, its chaotic energy surging and transforming into two colossal hands that blotted out the sky, grabbing at the two demons from the left and right.

The golden light and feathered arrows, powerful enough to split mountains and shatter rocks, pierced into the chaotic giant palm, sinking like mud, their power completely dissipated. The giant palm closed, and no matter how the two demons struggled, they were firmly imprisoned in the chaotic energy, their demonic power temporarily sealed, leaving only their horrified and furious howls.

最后一边，吴老祖在天音仙子阵法辅助下，对上那株【千年树妖】。

树妖扎根大地，藤蔓如龙，毒果爆裂。吴老祖祭出土黄大盾防御，且战且退。

“吴道友，断其地脉，封其妖丹！”天音仙子传音指引，同时阵法清辉洒落，削弱树妖活性。

Wu Laozu understood, and his flying sword pierced the ground, severing the tree demon's main root. The tree demon's trunk trembled violently, and its attack slowed abruptly. He immediately summoned the [Azure Wood Suppressing Spirit Talisman], and a beam of azure light entered the tree demon's trunk, causing its wildly flailing vines to droop softly, and its demonic energy was temporarily suppressed.

The Earth Armor Dragon, which was critically injured and on the verge of death but had just recovered some of its strength, was also bound by the Spirit-Binding Chains used by Fairy Tianyin.

至此，金、木、水、火、土五行属性，五头四阶妖兽，尽数生擒！
欧阳扉目光扫过被制服的众妖，脸上露出满意的笑容：
"All five elements are present and have been captured alive. The demonic beasts required for the sacrificial tower are all prepared!"

……

The Wu family cultivators were dumbfounded as they stared at the five fourth-tier demonic beasts that had been swiftly subdued and were powerless to resist. They stood frozen in place like clay sculptures.

ended?
Is it...over just like that?

从四妖暴起发难，到被尽数生擒，前后不过数十息时间！

The Wu family has spent decades painstakingly preparing numerous backup plans, proceeding with extreme caution, all for the chance to capture a weakened Earth Armored Dragon, and even then, success is not guaranteed.

But these few from the Fu family... swept through the enemy with ease, as if they were capturing not a ferocious fourth-order demon, but a few docile domestic animals!
Especially Elder Ouyang, who was able to imprison the Demon King with his poison skills!
还有那神秘的混沌兽，以一敌二竟如探囊取物！

The Heavenly Sound Fairy's formations are incredibly ingenious, effortlessly trapping enemies and providing support!
“原来……原来这才是傅家真正的实力吗？”那紫府后期的汉子喃喃自语，脸上再无半分不甘，只剩下深深的敬畏与震撼，“不止傅家主战力通天，他麾下的长老、客卿，竟也强悍至此……”

They finally understood.

Why was the Fu family able to rise so rapidly under the leadership of that young patriarch and sweep away all its enemies?

This is not just due to Fu Changsheng's strength alone, but also a reflection of the Fu family's foundation and strength!

在绝对的实力面前，一切算计和隐忍，都显得如此苍白可笑。

Old Master Wu was also filled with turbulent emotions. Having personally participated in the events, he felt that the Fu family was unfathomable.

Just now, in order to deal with the tree demon, he gritted his teeth and used a treasured mid-grade fourth-tier [Azure Wood Suppressing Spirit Talisman], and he was secretly regretting it now. After all, this grade of spirit talisman was one of the most prized possessions of his Wu family.

欧阳扉将五头被禁锢的妖兽收入灵兽袋，目光微动，对天音仙子道：
“Fairy, these demonic beasts have been entrenched in this place for many years. Their lair may contain some rare and precious treasures. Perhaps we should explore it.”

天音仙子点头。

Ouyang Fei then turned to Old Master Wu:

"Fellow Daoist Wu, we are very grateful for the clues provided by your Wu family. Exploring the lair of a demon beast may be risky, but it may also yield some rewards. If you are interested, you may come with us."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Wu was first taken aback, then overjoyed, and quickly bowed:
"I am deeply grateful for Fellow Daoist Ouyang's kindness! I am willing to accompany you and do my part!"

He was so excited that he couldn't express it.

He felt he had contributed little in the battle, and even if the Fu family took all the spoils, he would have no complaints. He never expected the other party to be so generous, even willing to share the spoils with him! This was clearly a deliberate act of promotion, doing him a favor!
他此刻再无半分对那张消耗掉的灵符感到肉疼，只觉得能搭上傅家这条线，远比一张灵符珍贵千倍万倍！
"Alright, let's not delay, let's set off now."

...

...

Following the lingering demonic aura of the monster, Ouyang Fei and his group explored deep into the mountains of Qiannan.

Before long, the three arrived at a secluded valley.

The valley entrance is concealed by a natural illusion array, making it extremely difficult to discover without deliberate exploration.

"The water element here is unusually active, so it must be the nest of that jadeite demon bird."

天音仙子纤指轻点，一道清辉洒落，谷口幻阵如同水波般荡漾开来，显露出内里景象。

只见山谷中央有一方寒潭，潭水碧绿，寒气逼人。

Several glistening Jade Moss plants grow along the edge of the pool, exuding a pure, aquatic aura. At the bottom of the pool, several fist-sized Water Cloud Stones with natural cloud-like patterns on their surfaces are faintly visible.

"Cold Jade Moss and Water Cloud Stone are both excellent materials for refining water-attribute magic weapons and pills." Ouyang Fei nodded slightly, waved his hand to collect most of the materials, but deliberately left 30% behind, and said to Old Ancestor Wu, "Fellow Daoist Wu, this was discovered by you and me together. According to the agreement, this 30% belongs to your Wu family."

Looking at the spiritual materials that would tempt even a Golden Core cultivator, Old Ancestor Wu quickly declined, saying, "Fellow Daoist Ouyang, I did not contribute to breaking the formation, so I am truly unworthy of such an offer..."

“Since we’re traveling together, we’ll each have our share.” Ouyang Fei’s tone left no room for argument.

Old Master Wu was even more grateful and no longer refused, carefully putting away the spiritual material.

Next, the group found the lava cave where the Crimson Flame Wolf King lived, where they discovered a small pool of not-yet-fully-solidified [Earth Core Fire Lotus Ointment] and several pieces of [Molten Refined Gold]; deep within the metal vein where the Golden Scale Unicorn Python was located, they found several sections of [Geng Metal Spirit Bamboo] containing sharp metal energy; and in the ancient forest where the Thousand-Year Tree Demon's true form was rooted, they harvested some [Evergreen Spirit Vine] imbued with the essence of Yi Wood and several precious tree heart crystals.

Each time, Ouyang Fei followed the agreement and gave 30% of the harvest to Old Master Wu.

吴老祖受宠若惊，对傅家这份气度，深感折服。

最后，他们来到了地甲龙渡劫前潜修的地脉洞穴。

洞穴深处，土灵气浓郁得几乎化为实质。

Here, they didn't find many conspicuous natural treasures, but in the very center of the cave, they discovered a small pool of [Earth Spirit Milk] that was constantly seeping out from the depths of the earth veins! For cultivators who practice earth-attribute techniques, this was a treasure for tempering their magic power and solidifying their foundation; a single drop was priceless.

Beside this pool of Wutu Lingru, there lies a dark yellow ore, about the size of a washbasin, with its surface covered with natural dragon scale patterns.

"This is... [Dragon Pattern Breath Soil]?" A hint of surprise flashed in Fairy Tianyin's eyes. "Although it is only a by-product mineral and not true innate breath soil, it already contains a trace of the earth's original energy, making it an excellent material for cultivating spiritual plants and refining earth-element treasures."

吴老祖喜得见眉不见眼。

After looting all the monster lairs, Ouyang Fei and Fairy Tianyin transformed into streaks of light and left Qiannan Mountain, speeding towards the Fu family's location.

吴老祖则独自折返自家封地。

...

...

吴家密室之中，灵光氤氲。

吴老祖将此次所得——戊土灵乳、龙纹息壤、寒玉苔、水云石、地心火莲膏、熔火精金、庚金灵竹、长青灵藤、树心结晶等天材地宝一一取出，虽每样都只占三成份额，但种类繁多，品质极高，瞬间将密室映照得宝光四溢。

Chief Wu stared wide-eyed, his breathing becoming rapid:

"Ancestor... these resources... if handled properly, are enough... enough to exchange for three Core Formation spiritual items with some left over!"

Three Core Formation Spiritual Items!

这意味着吴家未来有极大可能再添三位金丹修士！
This harvest is far more substantial and tangible than the expected capture of an Earth Armored Dragon as a clan's guardian spirit beast! After all, while spirit beasts are powerful, they are ultimately external objects. How can they provide a solid foundation for improving the cultivation of one's own disciples?
"The Fu family... is truly generous!" Clan Chief Wu exclaimed excitedly. "It seems that our Wu family's decision to ally with the Fu family was absolutely the right one!"

He suddenly remembered something:
“Ancestor, a few days ago, my son-in-law Yongpeng came by.”

"Oh? What is he here for?" Old Master Wu asked casually, in a good mood.

吴族长斟酌着语句：“永蓬他……提及傅家如今人才济济，世子之位空悬。他的儿子青麟，天赋尚可……他希望我们吴家能在合适的时机，为他儿青麟争取世子之位，略作声援。”

Upon hearing this, the smile on Old Ancestor Wu's face vanished instantly, his gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife, and he stared intently at Clan Chief Wu, his voice turning deep:

"You agreed?"

Clan Chief Wu felt a chill run down his spine under the ancestor's gaze and quickly waved his hand:

“未曾当场答应，只说需与老祖商议。不过……老祖，若青麟能成为傅家世子，对我吴家未来，似乎……”

"Foolish! Foolish!" Old Ancestor Wu interrupted him sharply, his tone more serious than ever before. "Is the Fu family's business something for outsiders like us to interfere with? Have you forgotten what kind of person the Fu family head is? How can his mind be swayed by others?"

“你想想，傅长生子女众多，永繁，永靖，永富、永夭、乃至更小的永运、永空，哪个不是天资卓越，修为精进？
为何唯独永蓬蹉跎至今，未能结丹？
这其中意味，你还不明白吗？”

吴老祖语重心长：

"The fact that Patriarch Fu is not providing him with resources to help him form his core is already a clear stance! If we, unaware of the situation, rashly intervene in the struggle for the heir apparent, wouldn't we be courting death? The lessons of the Huang family and the Seventh Prince are still fresh in our minds!"

Chief Wu broke out in a cold sweat after being struck by these harsh words, fully regaining his senses, and immediately bowed:

"The old master is right! I was wrong and almost caused a disaster! I will refuse Yongpeng's request and never mention this matter again!"

Old Master Wu's expression softened slightly, and he instructed:

"Not only should we not mention it, but we must also be careful in our dealings with Yongpeng in the future. The will of Patriarch Fu is the guiding principle for our Wu family. Only by closely following the Fu family's lead, remaining loyal, and not interfering in internal affairs can we ensure the long-term stability and gradual development of our Wu family. These resources should be put into storage immediately and used to cultivate the most promising disciples in the clan to enhance our own strength. This is the right path!"

"Yes, Ancestor! I understand!" Clan Chief Wu was completely convinced and dared not have any more delusions.

...

...

On the day of the investiture, in Huizhou Prefecture.

世家牌坊前的巨大广场早已人山人海，来自傅家各处封地、附属家族的代表，以及惠州境内有头有脸的修士、各方势力的观礼使者，皆汇聚于此，翘首以盼。

广场中央，一座高达九丈的祭祀塔巍然矗立。

The tower, constructed of massive, dark stones and engraved with ancient runes, exudes a solemn and mysterious aura. Divided into five levels, it faintly reveals five powerful and violent demonic energies imprisoned within—the very essence of fourth-tier demonic beasts of the five elements! Their existence is both a testament to the Fu family's strength and a sacrifice offered to the heavens and earth for this ascension ceremony.

The auspicious time is approaching.

"Boom--!"

"Om-!"

The ancient drumbeats resounded from the Drum Tower in the east of the city, powerful and resonant, carrying for miles, like the heartbeat of the earth, announcing the arrival of an important moment.

Followed by.

城西钟楼传来清越悠扬的钟鸣，涤荡心神，响彻云霄。

鼓钟交鸣，肃穆庄严之气弥漫整个广场，所有喧哗议论之声戛然而止，众人皆屏息凝神，望向高空。

只见天际祥云汇聚，霞光万道。

Fu Changsheng wore a black family head's robe, his posture was as upright as a pine tree, his face was calm and indifferent, and his aura was as deep as the sea.

He arrived on a cloud accompanied by three Daoist companions—

正妻柳眉贞位于其左稍后半步，身着庄重华服，仪态端庄雍容，眉宇间既有母仪家族的温婉，亦有不怒自威的气度。

The concubine, Yu Qingru, was positioned to her right, while Wu Ling'er was slightly behind her. She had a beautiful face and lively eyes, with a touch of the mysterious charm unique to the Northern Frontier. The small Gu-raising bag at her waist and the inconspicuous silver bell on her wrist indicated her identity as a Gu master.

The four descended on the wind, their robes fluttering, like immortals, and slowly landed on the highest seat in front of the sacrificial tower.

Afterwards.

Suddenly, a dazzling light burst forth from the horizon, painting half the sky with shimmering brilliance!
A vast and profound pressure, as deep as the ocean and as abyss as it approached, gently yet undeniably enveloped the entire square.

所有人都不由自主地心生敬畏，望向宝光来处。

A massive, magnificent royal treasure ship, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, slowly emerged from the clouds. The ship's hull was engraved with the emblem of the Dayong royal family, shrouded in a radiant aura, its regalia imposing. Wherever it passed, spiritual energy spontaneously gathered into lotus shapes, supporting its journey.

"It's the royal treasure ship!"

“这威压……难道是元婴真君亲临！”

"Heavens! The investiture of a fifth-rank noble family has actually required a Nascent Soul True Monarch to come in person?!"

广场之上，顿时响起一片压抑不住的惊呼声。

According to custom, the conferment of the title of a fifth-rank noble family is usually presided over by an envoy from the royal family who is a fake infant cultivator, which is already a very high standard.

元婴真君，那是真正站在大周修仙界顶端的大能，平日神龙见首不见尾，今日竟为傅家册封之事亲临惠州！

What a privilege!
A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. He bowed first, his voice clear and resonant, carrying far and wide:

"Fu Changsheng, along with the entire clan, respectfully welcomes the Holy Envoy!"

(End of this chapter)