Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 641 Fifth-Rank Privilege, Qi of Creation, Luring the Snake Out of its Hole

The treasure ship slowly came to a stop, and countless auspicious lights gathered on its hull.

As the hatch opened, two rows of royal guards, clad in golden armor and exuding a fierce aura, filed out and stood solemnly on either side.

Then, an elderly man dressed in a deep purple Taoist robe with auspicious cloud patterns slowly walked out.

"It's Zhenyuan Zhenjun!"

Someone recognized the old man and exclaimed in surprise.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun, a royal elder, a Nascent Soul cultivator renowned for a thousand years!
Fu Changsheng, along with all members of the Fu family, representatives of affiliated forces, and all the cultivators in attendance, bowed in unison.
"Welcome, True Lord!"

Zhenyuan Zhenjun nodded slightly, without exchanging many pleasantries, and went straight to the point. With a solemn expression, he took out a scroll of bright yellow silk with nine dragons playing with a pearl embroidered on the edge from his sleeve.

"The Emperor, by the Will of Heaven, proclaims:"

"To the Fu family of Huizhou, whose patriarch, Fu Changsheng, is exceptionally talented and possesses profound cultivation. In this remote border region, he quelled chaos and brought peace to the area, rendering meritorious service to the nation and benefiting the common people. Many of the Fu family's descendants are also outstanding individuals who have carried on the family tradition, and the family's traditions are pure and upright..."

The imperial edict first praised Fu Changsheng's personal achievements and the Fu family's traditions, and affirmed his contribution to stabilizing Huizhou and the surrounding areas.

"...Now, in accordance with the laws of Dayong, considering the merits, virtues, and strength of the Fu family, they are deemed worthy of emulation. Therefore, the Fu family is hereby promoted to a fifth-rank aristocratic family."

"Now that he has been appointed to the fifth rank, his powers and responsibilities should be clearly defined."

"Its powers are twenty:"

"First, Fu Changsheng, the head of the Fu family, is granted a special permission to enter the Great Zhou Scripture Pavilion once for three days. He may choose any cultivation method, supernatural power, or secret technique to inherit within the pavilion in order to strengthen the family's foundation."

"Second, starting from this Jiazi year, whenever the Xuanling Realm opens, the Fu family may send disciples inside to explore opportunities."

"..."

"Twenty, the entire territory of 'Nancang Prefecture' in Jinzhou is allocated as a new fiefdom for the Fu family. The Fu family is also permitted to select six families from the existing six-rank aristocratic families within Dayong territory to become their vassals."

Their responsibilities are as follows:

"First, to guard Nancang and protect the people, a fixed amount of tribute must be paid to the imperial court every sixty years."

"Second, obey the emperor's orders. In the event of war or major changes, you must obey the imperial family's orders and send out the elite of your clan to serve the country."

"..."

Rights are tempting, but obligations are heavy.

After Zhenyuan Zhenjun finished reading, the bright yellow imperial edict seemed to have completed its final mission, and suddenly transformed into a dazzling yellow light, shooting into the top of the majestic sacrificial tower like a meteor.

"Om-!"

The sacrificial tower was activated instantly.

Inside the tower, five levels contain five elemental demonic beasts representing metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which simultaneously let out desperate and painful roars and howls. Their demonic energy surges violently, yet they are unable to break free from the formation's restraints.

The next moment, the immense power of the sacrifice was activated.

The massive bodies of the five fourth-tier demonic beasts melted and decomposed at a visible speed, transforming into five streams of energy of different colors, yet equally pure and powerful. Like the Milky Way pouring down from the heavens, they crashed into the [Sixth-Rank Family Jade Seal] suspended at the base of the tower!
"Boom!"

In the dark.

A more magnificent and majestic imperial aura, imbued with the will of the people and the weight of the nation's destiny, descended from the void like a golden waterfall, flowing into the imperial seal along with the chaotic sacrificial power!

The jade seal trembled violently, and its surface shone brightly!
The blue light receded inward and then burst forth with purple radiance!

At this moment, the sixth-rank aristocratic family jade seal was abruptly upgraded to the fifth-rank aristocratic family jade seal!
"hold head high--!"

Faintly, a clear and melodious dragon's roar seemed to resound from the jade seal, spreading in all directions.

Viewed from a distance.

The aura and fortune of the entire Fu family mansion, and even the entire city of Huizhou, underwent a tremendous change!
What was originally just a blue cloud of fortune that covered the area like a canopy now surged and expanded wildly. At its center, a noble purple color spread rapidly like ink dripping into clear water, eventually transforming into a vast sea of ​​clouds filled with purple mist and radiant light!

Amidst the purple clouds.

The faint shadows of pavilions and towers could be seen rising and falling.

The silhouettes of mythical birds and beasts frolicked, while a magnificent purple dragon with nascent scales and claws tumbled and danced in the sea of ​​clouds, roaring to the sky and absorbing the spiritual energy and faith that gathered from all directions.

The azure mist turned purple, and the spirit dragon soared into the sky!
This is clearly a manifestation of the flourishing fortune of a fifth-rank aristocratic family!
"The Fu family thanks the Emperor for his grace! We thank the True Lord!"

The fifth-rank aristocratic family's jade seal flew back to Fu Changsheng's hands on its own.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun nodded slightly, then took out another token that was neither gold nor jade, with an ancient and simple design. The two characters "藏经" (Zang Jing, meaning "hidden scriptures") were engraved on it in ancient seal script, and it exuded a faint scholarly aura.

"This is the entrance token for the Great Zhou Scripture Pavilion. With this token, you may go to the capital at any time within ten years, and someone will guide you into the pavilion."

"Thank you, Zhenjun."

……

The group moved to the Yanshan Pavilion.

At the welcome banquet.

Zhenyuan Zhenjun sat for a short while, symbolically drank a cup of spiritual wine, and then got up to take his leave.

“Master Fu, I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer.”

During your tenure as a fifth-rank patrol envoy, you accumulated merits at a rapid pace. I have heard that you are already close to the top ten in the merit rankings.

Being in the top ten is a hurdle; once you make it, you'll be eligible to participate in the promotion assessment for a fourth-rank Imperial Patrol Envoy. Although there's only a one-rank difference between fourth and fifth rank, the power, resources, and even the levels of access they receive are worlds apart. Make the most of this opportunity and don't slack off.”

These instructions went beyond the scope of ordinary investiture envoys, carrying a hint of guidance.

"I will keep in mind the True Lord's teachings and will work even harder to live up to your expectations!" Fu Changsheng replied solemnly.

Without another word, Zhenyuan Zhenjun appeared atop the royal treasure ship. The ship shone with spiritual light, then transformed into a streak of light, tearing through the clouds and disappearing into the horizon.

Today's event is just a welcome banquet.

The Fu family's fifth-rank celebration was held a month later.

...

...

Fu Changsheng returned to the secret chamber, and with a thought, he entered the Five Elements Space.

As soon as you step inside, you feel yourself enveloped by a rich and pure spiritual energy that is almost liquid, dozens of times more concentrated than the outside world!
Look around.

The already vast space now expands outwards once more, the mountains and rivers become even more majestic, the sky is radiant with light, and the Daoist principles become even clearer.

"Master!" Qiu Niang sensed Fu Changsheng's arrival and instantly appeared, her face filled with uncontrollable joy. "The Mountain and River Clan Cauldron is being upgraded!"

Fu Changsheng turned his gaze to the center of the space.

The ancient and imposing clan-protecting cauldron was suspended in the air.

The inside of the cauldron was filled with rising steam, as if it were nurturing a small world.

The most significant change.

The medicinal garden space carved out inside the cauldron!
The already vast spiritual fields have now expanded several times over. As far as the eye can see, the fields are crisscrossed with paths, and the spiritual soil shimmers with various precious lights, covering an area of ​​several thousand acres!
The many spiritual herbs planted there before, nourished by such rich spiritual energy, stretched out their branches and leaves, glowing brightly, and their medicinal properties increased at a visible rate. Some of the already ancient spiritual herbs even began to emit a faint glow, showing signs of transforming into higher grades.

"Bah!"

The father and son of the flying feathered beasts excitedly circled above the cauldron.

at the same time.

The Dragon Transformation Pool inside the cauldron also underwent a dramatic change.

The pool water displayed a mixture of black and yellow hues, with streams of black and yellow energy rising and condensing, eventually transforming into one hundred and eight black and yellow spirit pills.

"Not bad!"

With these 108 Xuanhuang Spirit Pills, it might be possible to cultivate a member of the clan who has reached the Chaos Dao Foundation stage.

Fu Changsheng's mind stirred slightly.

The newly acquired fifth-rank imperial seal appeared in his palm.

The jade seal shimmered with a warm purple light, and the two characters "Fu Shi" at the bottom faintly revealed dragon energy, subtly echoing the aura of the entire Five Elements space.

He held it in his hands and slowly walked towards the Mountain and River Town Clan Cauldron in the center of the space, which was spontaneously upgrading.

Even though they were still several feet apart, they seemed to be attracted by a magnet and trembled slightly at the same time!
"Om-!"

The jade seal shone with a brilliant purple light, then floated up on its own and flew to the top of the Mountain and River Suppressing Clan Cauldron.

The cauldron was filled with the rising of two energies, black and yellow, which, like silk threads, actively wrapped around the jade seal.

For a while.

Purple and dark yellow energies intertwined and swirled.

The imperial seal, embodying the dynasty's approval, the will of the people, and the authority to govern a region, perfectly complements and integrates with the ancient tripod, which contains the rich history of mountains and rivers, the foundation of the state, and the propagation of a clan.

hum!
At the bottom of the jade seal, the two characters "Fu Shi" suddenly lit up, and the dragon energy swirling between the strokes seemed to come alive, gently exhaling seventy-two wisps of strange energy!

"Ding!"

The system notification sounded in Fu Changsheng's mind at just the right time.

【Creation and Fortune: A product of the fusion of the orthodox fortune bestowed by the imperial dynasty and the primordial power of the innate spiritual treasure, the Mountain and River Cauldron. It contains a trace of the potential for creation and has wide applications.】

[Note: This fortune is not limited to humans. It can be bestowed upon members of the race, helping them break through bottlenecks, comprehend the Dao, and create their own techniques; it can also enlighten plants, stimulating mutations, raising their rank, and accelerating their growth; and it can nourish spirit pets and beasts, purifying their bloodlines, awakening their intelligence, and unlocking their supernatural powers.]

A glint of light flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

These seventy-two strands of creation energy are like seventy-two omnipotent seeds. If used properly, they can give birth to miracles far beyond imagination in this Five Elements Space and even the entire Fu family!
"After the space was upgraded, the fortune generated by the family's jade seal also increased significantly."

Fu Changsheng's thoughts stirred slightly, and his gaze fell on the seven-colored glass beast whose body was surrounded by shimmering light.

Its aura fluctuated wildly, indicating that it had reached a critical moment in its attempt to break through to the fourth-tier demon beast level.

"Then I will let you test the mysteries of fate and destiny."

He flicked his finger.

A wisp of dreamlike, ever-changing "fortune and destiny" seemed to possess a spirit, drifting lightly towards the seven-colored glass beast and silently merging into its brow.

"Buzz!"

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast's body suddenly trembled!
The already dazzling seven-colored light around its body suddenly surged, like seven small suns shining simultaneously, enveloping its entire body in a giant cocoon of light. On the cocoon of light, countless mysterious runes appeared and disappeared, radiating a powerful and ancient bloodline pressure.

The spiritual energy within the space frantically converged towards the cocoon of light, forming a massive vortex of spiritual energy.

"Roar--!"

A deep, powerful roar emanated from the cocoon of light, no longer the immaturity of a cub, but carrying the majesty of the king of beasts. Cracks began to appear on the surface of the cocoon, and even more dazzling rays of seven-colored divine light burst forth from it.

"Crack!"

The cocoon of light shattered completely, revealing the figure within.

At this moment, the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast was more than twice the size of its previous form, and its lines were smoother and more agile.

Its once vibrant, multicolored fur now possessed a deeper, purer hue, as if carved from the finest glass and jade, its inner radiance shimmering, its appearance extraordinary. On its forehead, a complex golden rune slowly coalesced, emanating an aura that stirred the heart.

It was surrounded by a glowing light.

In addition to the existing phantom of the Seven-Colored Divine Light, a new phantom of a crimson gold rune, which is constantly rotating and resembles a furnace, has appeared!

[Bloodline Treasure Technique: Crimson Gold Furnace]!
This technique is neither an offensive nor a defensive technique, but a rare auxiliary bloodline treasure technique.

It can conjure a crimson gold furnace inside or outside the body, which can melt all kinds of rare and precious materials, refine their essence and remove their dross. It can also be used to assist in the refining of magical treasures, greatly improving the success rate of refining and the quality of magical treasures!

Just as the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast completed its transformation and its aura stabilized at the fourth rank—

"Boom!"

Above the Five Elements Space.

Thick, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the once clear sky, lightning flashed wildly, and thunder roared! A destructive pressure from heaven and earth locked down!

The fourth-order lightning tribulation has arrived!

The seven-colored glass beast raised its head to the sky, its eyes showing no fear, but rather full of fighting spirit.

The seven-colored light around it suddenly contracted, condensing into a solid light shield to protect its body. At the same time, the newly awakened [Crimson Gold Furnace] phantom appeared above its head, the furnace mouth pointing at the tribulation clouds, slowly rotating, and faintly exuding an aura that was about to melt all things.

"Thorn--!"

The first bolt of silver lightning, as thick as a child's arm, crashed down fiercely!

The seven-colored light shield fluctuated violently, yet it steadily received the attack.

Followed by.

The second, the third... each lightning tribulation was more ferocious than the last, its color changing from silver to pale gold, its power multiplying.

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast either relied on divine light to withstand the attacks or used the newly formed illusory image of the Crimson Gold Furnace to absorb and refine some of the lightning power. Although its fur was occasionally scorched black by the lightning, its momentum grew stronger with each battle.

When the last dark golden tribulation lightning was drawn into the crimson gold furnace and one-third of it was refined, and then dispersed with divine light, the tribulation clouds in the sky quickly dissipated as they had arrived.

The sky sent down timely rain.

It sprinkled onto the seven-colored glass beast.

The charred blackening on its body quickly fell off, revealing even more translucent fur underneath. Its aura steadily increased, eventually stabilizing at the early stage of the fourth rank!

"Roar!"

It let out a comfortable growl and flew affectionately to Fu Changsheng's side, nuzzling him with its huge head.

A seven-colored divine light descended upon Fu Changsheng.

His cultivation barrier at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage seemed to exist without him, and he easily crossed it. His aura surged, climbing all the way to the peak of the Golden Core stage, and he was still pushing upwards!
Ultimately, his aura remained at the nascent infant stage!

And it often lasts for a full fifteen minutes!
A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

The cultivation level of a pseudo-infant means that he can more easily activate multiple spiritual treasures at the same time and unleash their greater power, making his overall combat strength more than double!
"I wonder how effective Xiao Qi's awakened supernatural power will be?"

Thoughts moved slightly.

The [Mysterious Origin Heavy Water] and the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear obtained from the lottery appeared in the Five Elements Space.

"It's up to you, little guy."

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast let out a low roar and leaped between the two treasures.

The complex golden rune on its forehead lit up, and a seven-colored glow flowed around its body, eventually converging at the top of its head, where the phantom of the crimson gold rune, shaped like a furnace, reappeared.

[Bloodline Treasure Technique: Crimson Gold Furnace]!
This time, the illusory image of the furnace was no longer faint, but much more solid, with a dark gold color throughout. The furnace walls were naturally engraved with patterns of phoenixes rising from the ashes and dragons spitting pearls, among other sacred images. Even before the furnace lid was opened, a terrifying aura of melting heaven and earth and refining all treasures permeated the air.

"go with!"

Guided by Fu Changsheng's thoughts, the drop of Xuan Yuan Heavy Water transformed into a blue stream of light and was the first to be thrown into the Crimson Gold Furnace.

hum!
The illusory furnace suddenly trembled, and crimson-gold flames instantly rose from within. These flames were neither ordinary fire nor thunderfire, but rather a precious fire containing a trace of creation and refining essence. The Xuan Yuan Heavy Water floated in the flames, not being evaporated, but instead, like divine iron thrown into a forging hammer, it began to violently deform and refine.

A few strands of grayish-black impurities were refined out and turned into blue smoke and dissipated in the crimson flames.

The blue of the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water became purer and deeper, and its volume seemed to have shrunk slightly, but the essence of water and the "heaviest" Dao principles contained within it became even more concentrated and powerful.

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast was completely focused on controlling the Crimson Gold Furnace, its newly advanced fourth-tier demonic power continuously supporting the operation of this bloodline treasure technique.

About one stick of incense later.

The refinement of Xuan Yuan Heavy Water reached its peak, transforming into a droplet resembling a blue star crystal.

"It's now!"

Fu Changsheng's mind stirred again.

The Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear emitted a resounding hum, transforming into a streak of purple-gold lightning that fiercely shot into the Crimson Gold Furnace!
boom!
The crimson gold furnace seemed to be infused with boundless vitality, and the furnace fire surged instantly, completely engulfing the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear.

The refined Xuan Yuan Heavy Crystal Essence, under the control of the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast, seemed to come alive, transforming into countless incredibly fine blue threads that precisely wrapped around the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear's shaft, especially around the shimmering golden lightning patterns.

"Zi la——!"

The essence of heavy water and the power of thunder collided and fused violently, producing a teeth-grinding sound. Crimson gold flames blazed fiercely, like the most master craftsman using heavy water as a hammer and thunderfire as an anvil to forge and fuse the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear in all aspects.

The form of the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear began to undergo subtle changes.

The spear, originally dark purple, gradually took on a deep, dark blue luster. The flickering golden lightning patterns, now soaked and solidified by heavy water, became more stable. Within the patterns, blue water light flowed faintly, intertwining with the golden lightning, forming a strange Daoist rhythm of "water and lightning complementing each other".

The entire tempering and fusion process lasted for a full three hours.

Finally, the flames in the crimson furnace gradually subsided, and the furnace lid slowly opened.

"Qiang——!"

A clear and resonant war cry, like a dragon's roar or a thunderous howl, echoed throughout the entire Five Elements Space!
A divine spear crackling with blue and gold electric arcs slowly rose from the furnace.

The Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear had undergone a complete transformation!
at the same time.

Lines of text appeared in my mind:

[Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear (Tier 5, Top Grade)]

【characteristic】:
1. Heavenly Thunder Slaying Evil: Unleashes blazing heavenly thunder, possessing extreme destructive and purifying effects on vengeful spirits, demonic beings, and evil spirits, with its power increased by 50% compared to before. 2. Profound Prison Suppression: Contains the "Supreme Weight" effect of Profound Primordial Heavy Water, which, when activated, can generate immense water pressure to suppress and seal off enemy movements. It can also transform into a heavy water barrier, providing astonishing defensive power.

3. Water and Thunder Synergy: The power of thunder and the essence of heavy water are perfectly integrated. When attacking, it can be both hard and soft. When hard, it is indestructible; when soft, it is penetrating. It has a strong penetrating and disintegrating effect on true essence protection and array barriers.

4. Controlling Lightning and Water: Can manipulate the water elemental energy and lightning power in the surrounding environment to a certain extent, amplifying the power of related supernatural abilities and spells.

"Xiao Qi, well done!"

The successful fusion and upgrade of the two treasures was largely due to the newly awakened [Crimson Gold Furnace] divine power of the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast.

After the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast takes the elixir and recovers its magical power.

Fu Changsheng's mind stirred again.

The natal magic treasures, the Lotus Lantern and the Ten-Thousand-Year Golden Thunder Bamboo, appeared in the Five Elements Space.

"Xiao Qi, try refining the essence of this bamboo into the Lotus Lantern."

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast let out a low roar and activated the [Bloodline Treasure Technique - Crimson Gold Furnace] once again.

A dark golden furnace phantom appeared.

The crimson-gold flames of the magical technique rose, beginning to calcify the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

The Golden Thunder Bamboo trembled violently, bursting forth with dazzling golden lightning in resistance. However, under the mysterious tempering power of the Crimson Gold Furnace, the bamboo body began to soften. Strands of dark golden bamboo sap, containing the pure essence of Gengjin Divine Thunder, were slowly extracted, while the impurities of the bamboo body itself were tempered into ash in the intertwining of thunder and fire.

It took a full six hours.

The section of the ancient Golden Thunder Bamboo was finally refined, condensing into a fist-sized mass of dark golden liquid essence that constantly crackled with golden lightning.

"melt!"

With a thought, Fu Changsheng caused the Lotus Lantern to transform into a stream of light and actively plunge into the Crimson Gold Furnace.

The lantern trembled slightly.

Three lotus leaves unfolded.

It actively absorbed the essence of that golden lightning.

The lamp body, originally as smooth and warm as jade, gradually developed a faint golden luster, especially around the veins of the lotus leaves and the wick, where fine golden thunder patterns began to emerge and spread.

Three more hours passed, and the flames in the crimson gold furnace gradually died down.

"Om-!"

A clear, melodious lotus-like murmur rang out from the furnace, the sound seemingly carrying a hint of thunderous clang.

The brand-new Lotus Lantern slowly rose from the furnace.

The lamp body remains in the shape of a jade lotus bud, but its overall color is no longer simply warm white jade. Instead, it presents a mysterious appearance of "golden patterns on a jade base." Countless fine and mysterious golden thunder patterns naturally emerge on the pure white jade lamp body, especially at the veins of the three lotus leaves and the central wick, where the golden patterns are most concentrated, faintly forming a miniature thunder array.

[Lotus Lantern: Low-grade Fifth-Tier Spiritual Treasure]

【characteristic】:
1. Purifying Holy Flame: The power of the Chaos Lamp Flame is enhanced, making it more effective at purifying evil spirits and healing injuries.

2. Golden Thunder Repelling Demons: The flame contains a trace of Geng metal repelling evil divine thunder power, which has a strong restraining and killing effect on demonic energy, ghost energy, and evil things. When using purification-type divine powers, it can draw in golden thunder to assist, and the power will be multiplied.

"The Lotus Lantern has actually been upgraded to a Spirit Treasure!"

Fu Changsheng was overjoyed.

"Thanks a lot."

Feed Xiao Qi a few spirit pills to nourish her demonic power.

"what?"

It stands to reason.

The family was promoted to the fifth rank.

The system should offer some kind of reward.

Also.

The Seven-Colored Glazed Beast should also be eligible for a special lottery after breaking through to the fourth tier.
"What's the matter?"

Could the system have crashed?!

Just now.

The communication jade talisman at his waist emitted a rapid whooshing sound.

Fu Changsheng glanced at it.

Upon seeing that it was Yongrui who sent the message, he moved his mind and left the Five Elements Space, appearing in the secret room.

...

...

"Father," Fu Yongrui's voice was low and calm, revealing no emotion, "the investigation into the Vermilion Bird Tribe has yielded results."

Fu Changsheng temporarily suppressed his doubts about the system rewards and turned his gaze to Fu Yongrui: "Speak."

"After the alliance of the three major tribes was formed, the Vermilion Bird Tribe completely closed its mountain gate and activated the mountain-protecting formation, the 'Burning Heaven Vermilion Bird Formation'."

Fu Yongrui spoke at a steady pace, yet each word was clear:
"This formation is currently being personally overseen and presided over by their high priest at the Nascent Soul stage. With the formation operating at full power, its energy is immense and sufficient to withstand attacks from Nascent Soul level cultivators."

He paused slightly, then added the most crucial information:
"As long as their people don't come out and rely on the great formation to hold their ground, it's almost impossible for us to break through the Vermilion Bird Mountains from the outside. They seem to be conserving their strength, waiting for the centennial grand ceremony before launching a joint attack."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes, but a chilling smile curled at the corner of his lips:

"Staying indoors and thinking you can rest easy just because you're in a turtle shell? There's no such thing as a free lunch."

He looked at Fu Yongrui and instructed him:

“If they want to hide, we give them a reason to come out, or we create an opportunity for them to make their move.”

"Yongrui, go and do two things immediately."

"First, spread the news as widely as possible that my Fu family will be holding a grand celebration in Huizhou Prefecture in a month to be promoted to a fifth-rank family."

Not only must the event cover the entire Wuzhou region, but it must also reach cultivators in neighboring prefectures and even further afield. The greater the scale of the celebration, the better. Everyone must know that the Fu family's celebration will include a banquet for cultivators from both prefectures, welcoming guests from all directions, showcasing the grandeur of a fifth-rank aristocratic family!

"Second," Fu Changsheng's tone turned cold, "send messages to all the family's fiefdoms and strongholds, ordering all direct descendants and core family members who are training or stationed outside, except for those who are necessary to stay behind, to return to the main family in Huizhou Prefecture before the start of the celebration. Make a big fuss, so that the outside world can clearly perceive that the power of my Fu family is gathering in Huizhou Prefecture."

"Yes, father."

Fu Yongrui vaguely guessed his father's intentions, but did not ask any further questions.

After Fu Yongrui left, Fu Changsheng decided to go to the Great Zhou Scripture Pavilion first. With a great battle about to begin, he needed to find the recipe for the Spirit Nourishing Pill as soon as possible so that Uncle Yu could recover his magical power.

...

...

Vermilion Bird Tribe, Crimson Flame Palace.

A scout dressed in red leather armor, exuding a sharp aura, knelt on one knee and reported in a deep voice:
"Chief, elders, we have just received confirmation that the Fu family has been officially recognized as a fifth-rank noble family of the Great Five Dynasties. A month from now, they will hold a grand promotion ceremony at their main residence in Huizhou Prefecture, inviting cultivators from Wuzhou and Jingzhou. The event will be extremely grand."

"Humph!"

An elder with a fiery temper and flame tattoos on his face snorted coldly, his voice booming like a bell:

"A fifth-rank aristocratic family? They're nothing but grasshoppers in autumn, they won't last long! Once the centennial grand ceremony is complete and the allied forces of the three tribes march east, they will surely uproot the Fu family. This so-called fifth-rank aristocratic family will become nothing but smoke in the wind in an instant!"

Another elder, with a lean face and sinister eyes, stroked his beard and slowly spoke:
"Chief, the Fu family is busy with the celebrations and their main forces are concentrated in Huizhou, so the border will inevitably be lax. This is a good opportunity."

The offerings required for our tribe's centennial grand ceremony have been prepared and are ready to be sent to the royal court.

If things were as usual, it would inevitably attract attention.

"Why not take advantage of the Fu family's celebration day, when they will be preoccupied with other matters, and quietly dispatch an elite team to quickly deliver the tribute to the royal court, so as not to miss the deadline and incur punishment from the royal court."

Chief Zhuque, seated on the crimson throne, draped in a scarlet cloak, did not immediately express his opinion. He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, producing a dull sound, and his eyes gleamed as he weighed the pros and cons.

"The Fu family has advanced to the fifth rank, so their strength must have increased. They should not be underestimated," Chief Zhuque said in a deep voice, his voice slightly hoarse. "Their grand celebration and recall of their clansmen make it seem like they are empty inside. But who knows if this isn't a trap to lure us out?"

His gaze swept over the crowd below, finally settling on the scout.

"The Fu family's movements must be thoroughly investigated. Issue the order to send more men, at all costs, to investigate this thoroughly for me! I need to know whether all the Golden Core cultivators of the Fu family, especially Fu Changsheng himself, have truly returned to Huizhou! What is their current deployment at their various strongholds in the Eastern Wilderness? How many troops do they have? Every detail must be thoroughly investigated for me!"

"Yes, Chief!" the scout replied sternly.

"Until the situation becomes clear, the transport of tribute will be postponed," Chief Suzaku decided. "We'll discuss everything again once we have concrete news. Our Suzaku tribe's protective array can withstand Nascent Soul cultivators. As long as we don't leave, the Fu family can't do anything to us. We must prioritize safety and not risk losing more than we gain!"

"The chief is wise!"

Several elders responded in unison. Although the fiery elder still had a hint of dissatisfaction on his face, he dared not disobey the chieftain's decision.

...

...

In front of the Zhenshi Division of Huizhou Prefecture.

Fu Changsheng was dressed in a black casual robe and did not deliberately emit any aura, but the spiritual pressure belonging to the ninth level of the Golden Core stage and the majesty of someone who had long held a high position still made the guards on duty at the gate feel trembling. They all bowed and saluted, their posture extremely respectful.

As soon as he stepped through the gate, a figure strode out to greet him; it was none other than the Deputy Hall Master, Master Yan. Master Yan wore a perfectly measured smile and, from afar, cupped his hands in greeting:

"Lord Fu, your presence is an honor! We are so sorry for not welcoming you sooner! Congratulations to the Fu family on your promotion to the fifth rank!"

“Vice Hall Master Yan, you’re too kind. I’ve come today to borrow the teleportation hall to travel to the Royal Capital’s Scripture Pavilion.” As he spoke, he revealed the ancient token engraved with the words “Scripture Pavilion.”

Master Yan's gaze swept over the token, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes, and his attitude became even more respectful:

"I see! His Majesty has bestowed this opportunity upon me, how could I dare to delay? The teleportation hall is ready. Please follow me, Lord Fu, and I will personally activate the formation for you!"

The two walked side by side through the heavily guarded corridors inside the Zhen Shi Si (镇世司).

The staff members who had just arrived at the office along the way, upon seeing that Master Yan was accompanying a young man in such a manner, and after sensing Fu Changsheng's unfathomable aura and the faintly visible insignia of the Imperial Guard, immediately understood the identity of the newcomer. They were all awed and retreated to the side of the road, bowing deeply and not daring to look directly at him.

soon.

The teleportation hall, shrouded in a hazy, spiritual light, came into view. The hall's doors were forged from a strange metal and engraved with intricate spatial runes.

The palace doors slid open silently, revealing a vast interior space. The floor was covered with a massive teleportation array made of solid "Void Stones," its structure incredibly complex, with the "Void Crystal" at its core radiating a stable silver light.

"Lord Fu, please enter the core of the formation." Master Yan stepped aside to lead the way, his posture very humble.

Fu Changsheng nodded slightly and stepped into the very center of the formation. Immediately, a powerful spatial force rippled beneath his feet.

Master Yan strode to the control platform, his expression solemn. He formed hand seals and channeled pure magical power into it, while respectfully pressing his deputy hall master token into the groove to verify his access.

"Om-!"

The teleportation hall trembled slightly, and the ground array suddenly lit up, with countless silver runes rapidly circulating. Vast spatial energy converged, forming a slowly rotating silver vortex above Fu Changsheng's head, profoundly deep and connecting to the unknown distance.

"Location: Royal Capital, Imperial Forbidden Garden, Teleportation Point outside the Scripture Pavilion!" Master Yan shouted in a deep voice, casting his final spell.

boom!
A burst of silver light erupted beneath Fu Changsheng's feet, and a powerful spatial pull descended, distorting the surrounding scenery.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to Lord Fu! Wishing you a fruitful return!" Master Yan's voice echoed through the distorted space, filled with utmost respect.

The silver light suddenly contracted, and Fu Changsheng's figure instantly disappeared into the silver vortex.

The energy within the main hall gradually subsided.

...

...

The Great Zhou Sutra Repository floats in the clouds.

As Fu Changsheng stepped out of the teleportation array, he was greeted by what appeared to be an ordinary fishing platform.

On the bluestone platform, the old man in hemp clothing still sat like a sculpture, holding the emerald green bamboo pole, the fishing line dangling into the surging sea of ​​clouds below.

"Huh? It's you, kid..." he muttered, his voice hoarse from just waking up, "It hasn't been that long, and you've already qualified again? Interesting."

Fu Changsheng stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Senior."

The old man waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities. His gaze swept over Fu Changsheng, seemingly surprised by the progress of his cultivation. His nose twitched slightly, and his eyes fell on a white jade wine gourd that had appeared in Fu Changsheng's hand at some point.

“Senior, this is the ‘Green Bamboo Spirit Wine’ exclusively brewed by my Fu family. Although it is not a divine wine, it has a unique flavor. It is just a small token of my respect. I hope you will accept it.”

The old man initially intended to refuse as was his habit.

With his position, what good things haven't he seen?

But just as he opened his mouth to speak, the stopper of the white jade gourd seemed not to be completely sealed, and a unique aroma of wine, extremely delicate yet refreshing, wafted out. This aroma was not strong, but carried the freshness of green bamboo after rain and the mellowness of the sediment of spiritual valley, unlike any fine wine he had ever tasted before.

He swallowed back the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue.

The old man's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, but he finally reached out and took it. He uncorked it, brought it to his nose, took a deep sniff, squinted his eyes, savored the aroma for a moment, and then slowly said:

"Hmm... that's somewhat sincere. Fine, this old man will accept it."

"Speak, boy. What brings you here? Have you taken a fancy to any particular martial arts technique or supernatural power?"

Fu Changsheng felt reassured, knowing that the "path" had been cleared, and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"I dare not deceive you, senior. I have come here not for cultivation techniques or supernatural abilities, but to seek a niche pill formula—the formula for a fifth-grade pill called the 'Spirit Nourishing Pill.' I wonder if your pavilion has it? And how should I find it?"

"Spirit Nourishing Pill?"

This prescription requires the Ten Thousand Year Spirit-Nourishing Grass as the main ingredient.

Even if we find it, it will be in vain.

Even thousand-year-old spiritual objects are rare to see, let alone ten-thousand-year-old spiritual objects.

The old man raised his wrinkled hand and casually pointed to the towering nine-story scripture pavilion.

"Go inside. You know the rules. Don't disturb this old man while he's drinking."

...

...

Stepping through the radiant doors of the library, a familiar scene unfolds once again.

Countless suspended orbs of light, like stars, were scattered throughout the vast space. Each orb represented a technique, secret art, or inheritance that could cause bloodshed in the outside world.

Fu Changsheng's thoughts sank into his sea of ​​consciousness, and the familiar panel quietly appeared.

Unlike the first time I entered, the basic database of the [Cultivation Techniques Deduction] module on the panel is now much fuller, thanks to the solid foundation laid by the previous inclusion of the massive summaries of the first five levels of cultivation techniques.

"Last time, we stopped at the fifth floor. This time, we'll start from the sixth floor."

With a clear goal in mind, he moved and appeared on the sixth floor of the Sutra Repository.

The number of light clusters here is significantly less than in the lower levels, but the aura emanating from each cluster is more profound and mysterious, clearly indicating a higher grade.

Fu Changsheng, seemingly tireless, used his divine sense, like an invisible tentacle, to precisely probe each suspended ball of light.

He still doesn't distinguish between categories. Whether it's sword techniques, Taoist methods, body refining techniques, detailed explanations of formations, secret records of alchemy, or all sorts of unorthodox and bizarre secret techniques, as long as it's within his authority, he quickly "browses" its opening outline and core introduction.

Meanwhile, within his mind, the system panel was recording data synchronously with astonishing efficiency:

[Includes a summary of "The True Technique of Controlling Thunder in the Nine Heavens"...]

[Includes an overview of "The Long Life Form of Yi Wood"...]

[Includes a summary of the incomplete "Explanation of the Celestial Array"...]

[Includes an overview of "The Art of Melting Gold"...]

……

With each new book added, the depth of the [Technique Deduction] module increases.

Although the complete inheritance cannot be obtained immediately, the summaries of these high-level cultivation techniques treasured by the Great Zhou royal family are of immeasurable value, providing invaluable "materials" and "directions" for the future development of the system.

The seventh floor, the eighth floor...

Fu Changsheng's figure moved through these spaces that housed even deeper traditions.

The higher he went, the fewer the orbs of light became, but each one contained awe-inspiring fluctuations of the laws of nature. His divine sense was being severely depleted; had his divine soul not far surpassed that of others of the same level, he would have collapsed long ago. Yet he persisted, like the most greedy gluttonous beast, devouring the essence of this knowledge.

Time passes unconsciously.

When he finally stepped into the ninth floor, it was already the third day since he entered the library.

The space on the ninth floor appeared exceptionally spacious and quiet.

The scattered clusters of light here number less than a hundred, but each one seems to contain the ultimate truths of heaven and earth. Its light is restrained, yet it exudes a pressure as if it were a tangible substance. Anything placed here is either a national treasure, a cultivation technique that points directly to the origin of the Great Dao, or some ancient forbidden technique that has long been lost.

There is less than half a day left before we are teleported away.

Fu Changsheng let out a long breath. After three consecutive days of intense "reading," even his divine soul felt deeply exhausted. But his eyes remained bright and sharp as he scanned the top-tier inheritance orbs on the ninth floor.

"Time is running out; we must find the recipe for the 'Spirit Nourishing Pill' as soon as possible."

(End of this chapter)