Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 643 The Soul of the True Spirit, Phoenix Evolution, Intercepting the Spoils
Guided by Chi Ling, Fu Changsheng arrived at the foot of an active volcano that was shrouded in crimson smoke all year round.

Following the guidance of the memories obtained from the soul search and the system information, he did not go to the ancestral temple on the mountaintop, but instead went around to a very hidden crack in the heart of the volcano, which was concealed by a natural formation.

“Master, this place…I have never heard of it before.”

Chi Ling stared at the deep, ancient crack, his face filled with shock and confusion. As a high-ranking member of the tribe, he had no idea that such a secret place was hidden within the ancestral land.

Fu Changsheng's gaze narrowed slightly as he probed the crack with his divine sense, sensing an extremely subtle yet powerful sealing force within. He formed a hand seal with his fingertips, channeling a stream of magical power into a dark pattern at the edge of the crack.

"Om-"

With a deep hum, the space at the crack rippled out like water, revealing a downward, scorching passage just wide enough for one person to pass through.

Chi Ling's body suddenly trembled.

The color drained from her face instantly, replaced by an unnatural flush.

"Master...Master! I...I feel...something inside...is calling me!" His voice trembled uncontrollably. The call was not a sound, but a resonance and pull from the depths of his blood, making his soul tremble.

Fu Changsheng glanced at him, a knowing look flashing in his eyes.

The sealed item mentioned in the system intelligence was indeed related to the Vermilion Bird bloodline.

"Follow me."

He said something casually and stepped into the passage first.

Chi Ling suppressed the turmoil in her heart, took a deep breath, and followed closely behind.

As the passage descends, the temperature rises, and the surrounding stone walls gradually turn a deep red, like jade. You can even see magma slowly flowing behind the stone walls.

After walking for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Suddenly, a huge underground lava lake opened up before them.

In the center of the lake stands a pitch-black stone platform. On the platform, countless thick, dark red chains, shimmering with runes, crisscross and tightly bind a... indistinct, yet constantly twisting and struggling, phantom of crimson-gold flames!
"Qiu Niang, set up the Spirit-Binding Array to seal off this place."

"Yes, Master." Qiu Niang accepted the order, her fair hands flying, and array flags shot out like streaks of light, accurately landing around the lava lake, instantly forming a complex and profound array. The light flowed, enveloping the entire stone platform in the center of the lake, isolating it from the outside.

"Red Feather, use your essence blood as a guide and drip it into the core of the seal." Fu Changsheng pointed to an ancient totem that was recessed on the edge of the stone platform.

Although Chi Ling was shocked, she did not hesitate.

He forced out a few drops of his heart's essence, flicked his finger, and the essence fell accurately into the totem.

Om-!
The moment the essence blood merged, the entire stone platform trembled violently! The dark red rune chains seemed to be activated, emitting a blinding light, before breaking and dissipating inch by inch! The crimson-gold flame phantom, bound for countless years, suddenly expanded, emitting a sharp cry that struck straight to the soul!

Break the seal!

The freed Vermilion Bird spirit coalesced into a form, though without a physical body, it exuded a terrifying pressure comparable to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm! Its child-like opening, burning with fury, instantly locked onto Fu Changsheng, who possessed the strongest aura present. More accurately, it locked onto the intense karmic burden entwined around him, stemming from the killing of the Vermilion Bird chieftain and his followers!

“Violent——!”

Enemies meeting are bound to be filled with hatred! The Vermilion Bird spirit, carrying a furious rage that could burn everything, transformed into a streak of crimson-gold light that tore through space, rushing straight towards Fu Changsheng! Its speed was beyond the reach of divine sense!

"Don't even think about it!" Qiu Niang shouted, activating the Spirit-Trapping Array with all her might, layer upon layer of light barriers attempting to block it.

However, the Vermilion Bird spirit unleashed a furious attack with unimaginable power! The light barrier of the Spirit-Trapping Array was torn apart and pierced through instantly, like a sheet of paper! Qiu Niang groaned, her face paling as the backlash from the array disrupted her breathing.

The crimson-gold light continued its relentless advance, and the shadow of death loomed over Fu Changsheng!

At this critical moment——

"Master, be careful!"

Chi Ling's eyes were bloodshot, and almost instinctively, he rushed forward to shield Fu Changsheng! A faint light of his bloodline ignited around him, as he tried to protect the person behind him with his meager strength!

The Vermilion Bird's ferocious attack abruptly halted! It sensed the pure, shared bloodline aura emanating from the Crimson Feather, and its unwavering will to protect its master at any cost. This brief hesitation created a fleeting glimmer of hope!

In the blink of an eye, Fu Changsheng finally completed the spell he had been preparing for a long time!

"town!"

He let out a low shout, and the Heavenly Dragon Temple within his body trembled violently. A golden divine light, extremely condensed and radiating magnificent divine power, shot into the sky, transforming into countless golden ropes flashing with runes in mid-air, like a net that wrapped around the Vermilion Bird's spirit!

The Vermilion Bird's spirit awoke with a start, sensing the restraining power on the golden rope that made its soul tremble. It let out a terrified scream and flapped its wings, ready to transform into a stream of fire and escape!
"Want to leave? It's too late!"

Fu Changsheng's eyes were icy cold as he unleashed the Heavenly Punishment Thunder Spear, which had been poised to strike! It didn't pierce straight through, but instead hovered in the air, drawing upon vast thunderous power to form a blue-gold lightning field! At the same time, the Profound Water True Essence transformed into an invisible pressure, enveloping the surrounding area like a swamp!
Under the combined effects of the paralyzing lightning field and the binding force of the Xuan Water gravity, the Vermilion Bird spirit's movements instantly became sluggish!
It's now!

The countless golden divine light ropes seemed to have a life of their own, seizing the opportunity to swarm forward, layer upon layer, binding the struggling crimson-gold flame phantom tightly!
"receive!"

Fu Changsheng formed hand seals, fully activating the power of the Heavenly Dragon Temple.

The golden rope suddenly contracted, pulling at the constantly twisting and shrieking Vermilion Bird spirit, transforming it into a stream of light, which was forcibly absorbed into the Five Elements Space within Fu Changsheng's body and suppressed beneath the temple!

Fu Changsheng slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, looked at the pale-faced Chi Ling in front of him, and took out a warm jade bottle:
"You have rendered meritorious service in protecting your master just now, this pill is bestowed upon you."

"This is the 'Breakthrough and Rejuvenation Pill,' a high-grade fourth-rank pill, which is perfect for you to break through the bottleneck of the mid-stage Golden Core realm."

Upon hearing this, Chi Ling was first taken aback, then his face lit up with uncontrollable excitement and joy! He had been stuck at the third level of the Golden Core stage for a long time, and his bottleneck was solid. This Breakthrough and Rejuvenation Pill was like a long-awaited rain for him!

His hands trembled slightly as he accepted the jade bottle, as if holding a priceless treasure. He then knelt down with a thud, his voice choked with emotion.
"Thank you for your generous gift, Master! I...I will dedicate myself to breaking through to the next level, and I will be willing to go through fire and water, even at the cost of my life!"

"Yes, go ahead. Find a quiet room to cultivate in seclusion and break through as soon as possible," Fu Changsheng said calmly.

"Yes! Your subordinate takes his leave!" Chi Ling kowtowed heavily before carefully putting the jade bottle into his bosom. He suppressed his surging emotions and bowed as he left the underground space.

After Chi Ling's figure completely disappeared.

"Qiu Niang".

"I'm here."

"Set up the 'Spirit Fusion Array' at the core of this place," Fu Changsheng instructed clearly. "Using the accumulated fire energy and earth vein power of this place for tens of thousands of years as the source, it is the best place to refine the Vermilion Bird's essence."

The Fusion Spirit Array is not a formation for killing or trapping enemies, but a more profound auxiliary formation used to melt, transform, and absorb massive amounts of energy. It is perfectly suited for dealing with pure and violent energy entities like the Vermilion Bird Spirit.

"Qiu Niang obeys."

...

...

Huizhou Prefecture, Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts.

The spiritual energy within the valley surged like a tide, converging towards the area deep within, shrouded in array formations and enveloped in rosy light. All the disciples of the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley, regardless of what they were doing, stopped what they were doing and nervously looked in that direction. A heavy atmosphere, a mixture of anticipation and unease, filled the air.

"Master, do you think Xiaoqing will succeed this time...?"

Fu Qingqing's bright eyes were filled with tension.

Fu Changli stared at the center of the spiritual energy vortex, still not entirely confident:

"Xiao Qing has already accumulated enough savings, and has been stuck at the near-fourth-tier realm for decades. This time, her preparations are even more thorough... Hopefully, she can succeed in one fell swoop."

The Azure Phoenix is ​​an ancient and exotic species with powerful bloodlines and boundless potential.

However, in this world where spiritual energy is becoming increasingly scarce, the accumulation required to break through a realm far exceeds that of ordinary demonic beasts, and that bottleneck is so solid that it inspires despair.

Over the past decades, she has spent countless efforts, searched for numerous auxiliary spiritual objects, and tried all sorts of secret methods. However, every time Xiaoqing attempted to break through to the fourth level, she always fell short at the last hurdle.

Time ticked by as everyone waited anxiously.

The vortex of spiritual energy in the valley spun more and more violently, and even the clear yet painful cry of the Azure Phoenix could be faintly heard.

The flickering light of the sunset symbolized the intense fluctuations in the energy within.

Finally, at a certain critical point, the vortex of spiritual energy that had gathered to its limit suddenly stopped, and then collapsed as if it had lost its support!
The rich spiritual energy swirled outwards, causing the grass and trees in the valley to bow low.

As the sunset faded, the blue phoenix, its expression listless and its feathers somewhat dull, was revealed. It let out a low cry filled with weariness and resentment, and slowly folded its wings.

Failed again.

A heavy sense of loss instantly enveloped all the disciples of the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts.

Fu Qingqing let out an "Ah," her face fell, filled with heartache and disappointment.

Fu Changli closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed her surging emotions.

"It's alright, if it doesn't work this time, we'll do it next time."

Her voice was clear and steady, carrying throughout the valley, both comforting the spirit beasts and reassuring the disciples:
"The ancient path is inherently difficult. Since we have chosen to accompany each other, we must have enough patience and perseverance."

She turned to look at Fu Qingqing, who was on the verge of tears, and smiled gently: "Qingqing, go and get some 'Hundred Herbs Dew' to help Xiaoqing recover her energy."

"Yes, Master!" Fu Qingqing nodded vigorously and wiped her eyes.

Fu Changli's expression suddenly changed.

Looking towards Danyun Palace:

"Huh, is this a pill tribulation?!"

The once clear sky suddenly darkened, and lead-gray tribulation clouds gathered from all directions like boiling ink. Within the clouds, streaks of purple lightning darted about, radiating a terrifying heavenly might that locked onto the palace below!

A unique fragrance of cinnabar, mixed with the oppressive power of heaven and earth, spread out.

"A pill tribulation?!"

Liu Meizhen, who was methodically assigning disciples and allocating resources to the newly acquired Vermilion Bird Mountain Range in the main hall, also sensed the familiar aura and location of the Pill Tribulation, and her eyes instantly burst with joy!
With a swift movement, leaving only a slowly dissipating afterimage, she appeared outside the Dan Yun Palace as if by teleportation.

Inside the alchemy room of the imperial palace.

Fu Yong'an's face was pale, and his back was soaked with sweat, but his eyes were unusually bright as he stared intently at the three spirit pills in the alchemy furnace that were spinning and emitting a warm and gentle spiritual energy—they were the fifth-grade high-quality Spirit Nourishing Pills!
Success! After several months, he finally succeeded in refining the elixir!

Rumble!
The completion of the elixir will bring calamity!

The first purple pill tribulation, as thick as a bucket, tore through the clouds and, carrying an aura of destruction, fiercely struck towards the palace the instant it did so.

A slender figure appeared out of thin air above the palace, facing the might of the heavens!
It was Liu Meizhen!
Her face was solemn, and her aura suddenly changed, with a chaotic intent that seemed capable of devouring everything soaring into the sky! Her dress fluttered without wind, and her black hair flew wildly.

"Swallow the sky!"

She let out a clear shout, formed hand seals, and activated the Chaos Devouring Heaven Technique. A miniature chaotic vortex emerged from her palm, then suddenly expanded, transforming into a bottomless chaotic light curtain that seemed capable of containing all things in heaven and earth, blocking the path between the Pill Tribulation and the Palace!

"Boom!"

The violent purple lightning slammed into the chaotic light curtain, but the expected violent explosion did not occur. The tribulation lightning, which was enough to make ordinary Golden Core cultivators change color, was like a mud ox entering the sea, and was quickly swallowed, decomposed, and transformed by the chaotic light curtain!
The light barrier rippled slightly, absorbing all the destructive power of the tribulation lightning.

Liu Meizhen swayed slightly, a blush rising to her cheeks before she returned to normal. The Chaos Devouring Heaven Technique devours all things to replenish itself; even the power of this heavenly tribulation can be transformed into sustenance!
Immediately afterwards, the second and third tribulations of the pill fell one after another, each more ferocious than the last!
Liu Meizhen stood in the void like a pillar in the middle of the stream. Under her control, the chaotic light curtain was as stable as a rock, devouring all the tribulations and lightning punishments!

Only after the fifth and final tribulation dissipated did the tribulation clouds in the sky slowly disperse, and the light of day reappeared.

Liu Meizhen slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and the terrifying chaotic aura surrounding her gradually subsided. She looked down at the alchemy chamber below, a relieved smile on her face.

The door to the alchemy room opened, and Fu Yong'an strode out carrying a jade plate. The elixir in the plate shone with inner light and was surrounded by swirling clouds of elixir. It was the Spirit Nourishing Pill that had successfully overcome the alchemy tribulation!
"Mistress!" Fu Yong'an exclaimed excitedly.

Liu Meizhen landed gracefully, looking at the three hard-won spirit pills, and said softly, "Yong'an, you've worked hard. These pills will be of great use to the family!"

...

...

After returning to the main hall and finishing her official duties, Liu Meizhen received a rapid buzzing sound from the communication jade talisman at her waist.

A spell was cast in.

Fu Changsheng's voice came out:

"Meizhen, have Changli bring the Azure Phoenix to the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range."

It seems my husband has encountered some kind of extraordinary opportunity.

With a flash, he appeared in the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts.

In the valley, Fu Changli had just calmed the Azure Phoenix, which was dejected after failing to break through to the fourth rank again, and was helping it regulate its aura with his disciple Fu Qingqing when the mistress arrived. He quickly got up to greet her.

"Changli greets the mistress."

Liu Meizhen nodded slightly and directly stated the reason: "Changli, Changsheng has sent a message that you need to take Qingluan to the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range in the Eastern Wilderness immediately."

Upon hearing this, Fu Changli's eyes flashed with surprise, but she did not ask any further questions. She simply replied respectfully, "Changli obeys."

Liu Meizhen flipped her hand and took out the bottle of Spirit Nourishing Pills that Fu Yong'an had just successfully refined, and handed it over: "This is the Spirit Nourishing Pill that Yong'an has just refined. Since you are on your way, take it to Tianlang Mountain and give it to Uncle Yu. After that, you can go to the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range to meet up with Changsheng."

Fu Changli accepted the jade bottle, still slightly warm from the pill, with both hands. She could feel the vast and gentle soul power contained within, knowing this pill was incredibly precious. She nodded solemnly:

"Don't worry, Madam, Changli will deliver the pills safely to Uncle, and then head to the Vermilion Bird Mountains."

"Let's not delay, let's set off now." Liu Meizhen instructed, "The situation in the Eastern Wilderness has just stabilized, but there may be some turbulence. Be careful on the way."

"Yes, Mistress!"

...

...

After receiving the order, Fu Changli finished explaining the affairs of the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts and then led the Azure Phoenix directly to the teleportation array inside the Fu family compound.

With a flash of light from the array and the spatial fluctuations subsided, she found herself at the distant Tianlang Mountain stronghold.

Master Yu, who had already received the message, was waiting outside the teleportation array. He still looked as unkempt as ever, but his eyes held a hint of anticipation.

"Changli, is there any news from the main family?" Uncle Yu rubbed his hands together, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Fu Changli.

Fu Changli smiled slightly, respectfully took out the jade bottle that was still warm, and presented it with both hands: "Uncle Yu, this is the Spirit Nourishing Pill that Yong'an just successfully refined. The mistress ordered me to deliver it to you on my way."

"A Spirit-Nourishing Pill?!"

Uncle Yu's eyes lit up instantly. He practically snatched the jade bottle and eagerly uncorked it. Instantly, a refreshing fragrance, seemingly capable of nourishing the very essence of the soul, filled the air, invigorating him!
He carefully poured out a elixir the size of a longan, shrouded in rosy clouds and radiating a precious light, and examined it closely, his eyes filled with unbelievable surprise:

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent pill! The pill's patterns are clear, and its medicinal power is restrained yet powerful. It is exactly what the Divine Pill described in ancient records looks like!"

"That kid Changsheng... he actually not only found the pill formula in such a short time, but also successfully refined the pill?! This... this is simply..."

He excitedly muttered a few words before remembering that Fu Changli still had a mission, and quickly said:

"Changli, you're still going to the Vermilion Bird Mountains to see Changsheng, aren't you? Hurry up and go, don't keep Changsheng waiting! Be careful on the road!"

"Yes, Uncle Yu, take care. Changli takes her leave."

……

Fu Changli rode the Azure Phoenix at breakneck speed and finally arrived at the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range.

Upon arriving at the mountain gate, a Golden Core elder dressed in a red robe, exuding a powerful aura, was already waiting. Seeing her and Qingluan, he immediately stepped forward, his attitude respectful yet dignified.
"Is this Miss Changli? I am Chiyun, sent by my master to greet you. Please follow me." Master?

Fu Changli's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face. He simply nodded in return, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Chiyun."

She followed behind Chi Yun, her heart surging with emotion. The fact that the patriarch could command such obedience from a Golden Core elder, addressing him as "Master," was truly admirable. It seemed the patriarch had effectively secured this Eastern Wilderness.

The closer you get to the ancestral volcano.

The blue phoenix under Fu Changli's seat became increasingly agitated and excited, constantly emitting clear and melodious cries. If Fu Changli had not calmed it down with his mind, it probably would have already flapped its wings and flown away.

Chi Yun led Fu Changli to a hidden crevice in the heart of the volcano, then respectfully stopped, saying, "The master is inside. Please enter on your own, Miss."

"Thank you."

After thanking her, Fu Changli led the impatient Qingluan into the passage.

Upon entering this scorching underground space, Qingluan was so excited that she slightly spread her wings and stared intently at the center of the lava lake, where there was an attraction that made her blood boil.

"Chang Li, you've arrived."

"Master of the house."

Fu Changli quickly stepped forward to pay her respects, her gaze involuntarily drawn to the great formation and the terrifying aura emanating from it.

Fu Changsheng stated his intentions directly:
"A Vermilion Bird spirit is sealed here. Although only a remnant soul remains, its essence is extremely pure and ancient. I intend to use this Spirit Fusion Array as a foundation, supplemented by the earth's fiery energy, to refine the Vermilion Bird spirit and merge it with the Azure Phoenix, helping it break through its bloodline shackles and advance to the fourth rank!"

Upon hearing this, Tong Kong shrank back, his heart filled with shock! To merge the Vermilion Bird's essence with the Azure Phoenix's? Such a method was nothing short of heaven-defying! But the risks were also extremely high. The Vermilion Bird's essence was incredibly violent; if one was not careful, the Azure Phoenix might be in danger of its soul being scattered!

"Master, this..."

"It's alright." Fu Changsheng seemed to see her worry and said calmly, "I have already suppressed the Vermilion Bird's spirit, so it can't cause any trouble. But during the fusion process, you will need to assist with the fusion process using the Beast King's Token to appease the Azure Phoenix, suppress the remnant spirit of the spirit, and guide the direction of the fusion."

This is an immense opportunity for the Azure Phoenix!
Fu Changli took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in her heart, and her eyes turned firm: "Changli understands! I will do my best to help Xiaoqing complete the fusion!"

She gently stroked the blue phoenix's neck feathers and said softly, "Little Qing, do not resist. Calm your mind and prepare to welcome this opportunity."

The Azure Phoenix, being intelligent, seemed to understand what was about to happen. It let out a clear cry that was both excited and a little apprehensive, and obediently withdrew its radiance, landing beside Fu Changli.

Seeing this, Fu Changsheng formed a hand seal and activated the Spirit Fusion Array.

"Om-!"

The fiery energy and ley line power accumulated in the magma lake for millennia were frantically extracted, transforming into streams of crimson light that flowed into the array. The array patterns lit up layer by layer, forming a massive vortex of fire that exuded a terrifying aura capable of melting all things.

"go with!"

Fu Changsheng let out a low shout, and the Vermilion Bird spirit, which was bound by the golden divine light, was forcibly driven into the core of the great formation!
“Violent——!”

The Vermilion Bird spirit let out a sharp, defiant cry, and crimson-gold flames suddenly erupted, attempting to break free of its restraints and resist the refining process. The violent energy surge caused the entire grand formation to tremble violently.

At the same time, the Azure Phoenix sensed that pure and ancient aura of shared origin, and the desire in its bloodline was completely ignited! It let out a clear cry uncontrollably, spread its wings, and was about to pounce on that ball of flame.

"Xiaoqing, hold on!"

Fu Changli was prepared and immediately summoned the Beast King's Token. The ancient token floated in the air, emitting a soft yet majestic light that enveloped the Azure Phoenix. Under this light, the Azure Phoenix's agitated emotions gradually calmed down, but the longing in its eyes burned even brighter.

"Now!" Fu Changsheng's eyes flashed like lightning, and his hands changed their hand seals again. "Spirit Fusion Array, refine!"

The vortex of flames spun at an alarming speed, and countless crimson array patterns, like branding irons, coiled around the struggling Vermilion Bird spirit. The purest fire elemental essence was forcibly stripped away and refined, emitting hissing sounds. The Vermilion Bird spirit's screams grew even more piercing, filled with pain and resentment.

"Changli, guide the Azure Phoenix to absorb the source!" Fu Changsheng shouted in a deep voice.

Fu Changli dared not be negligent and activated the Beast King's Token with all his might. A clear mental message entered Qingluan's mind: "Xiao Qing, calm your mind and guide this power to your own use!"

Suppressing the turbulent surge of its blood, the Azure Phoenix obeyed the command, opening its beak and emitting a suction force. The purest, most refined crimson-gold primordial power, as if drawn by a current, transformed into a thin stream and slowly merged into the Azure Phoenix's body!

"Wow—!"

As the primordial energy entered its body, the Azure Phoenix let out a long cry that was a mixture of pain and pleasure! Its feathers instantly became more vibrant and lustrous, its entire body shone with a brilliant azure light, and its aura began to rise at a visible speed!
However, the lingering resentment of the Vermilion Bird's spirit did not completely dissipate. As its origin was extracted, a violent and unwilling will surged towards the Azure Phoenix's sea of ​​consciousness along with the power of its origin!

Qingluan's body trembled violently, and a flash of chaos and crimson appeared in her eyes!

"town!"

Fu Changli had anticipated this. The Beast King's Token shone brightly, and a vast and peaceful force of will forcefully intervened, suppressing and erasing the trace of the Vermilion Bird's violent and remnant will!
Refining, absorbing, suppressing... the entire process is extremely dangerous and allows no room for error.

Fu Changsheng sat firmly at the center, precisely controlling every bit of power in the Spirit Fusion Array, ensuring both the refining speed and preventing damage to the Azure Phoenix's essence. Fu Changli, on the other hand, was completely focused, using the Beast King's Token to protect the Azure Phoenix's soul and ensure its intelligence remained intact.

Time slipped away slowly amidst the tension.

The phantom of the Vermilion Bird's spirit gradually dimmed and shrank, while the aura of the Azure Phoenix grew stronger and stronger. A faint yet incomparably noble crimson-gold halo began to swirl around its body, and its bloodline was undergoing some kind of essential transformation!
After an unknown amount of time, when the last trace of crimson-gold essence was absorbed by the Azure Phoenix, the phantom of the Vermilion Bird's spirit let out a weak, unwilling cry before finally dissipating completely, transforming into the purest energy, merging into the grand formation, and nourishing this world.

The light of the Spirit Fusion Array gradually subsided.

The Azure Phoenix was completely enveloped in a massive cocoon of light, interwoven with blue and red hues, and hovered in mid-air. From within the cocoon came a powerful heartbeat like a war drum, and an increasingly strong pressure belonging to a fourth-tier demonic beast!

Fu Changli's forehead was beaded with sweat, and her face was somewhat pale, but her eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation. She looked at Fu Changsheng.

Fu Changsheng slowly finished his practice, his gaze falling on the cocoon of light, and nodded slightly:

Whether it can break free from its cocoon and transform into a butterfly depends on its own destiny. However, with a solid foundation, reaching the fourth stage is within reach.

...

...

The atmosphere at the sacrificial square in Qingniu Village was warm and devout.

The villagers gathered around the ancient stone ox statue, their faces beaming with joy and anticipation.

This year, their luck was exceptionally good. The hunting team actually found a severely injured and dying first-tier early-stage demon beast, the "Fire Rhinoceros Boar," deep in the mountains! In their eyes, this was undoubtedly an auspicious sign bestowed by the mountain god, foreshadowing a bountiful harvest and peace in the coming year.

"Priest, the offerings are ready!" The hunting captain's booming voice was filled with pride.

The old priest, his hair and beard completely white, nodded solemnly, took his cane, and slowly walked to the stone platform. The rather large fire rhinoceros boar was bound and placed under the stone ox statue, emitting a faint mournful cry.

"The auspicious time has arrived, the ceremony shall begin!" the old priest announced loudly.

The drums pounded, carrying a primal rhythm.

The villagers performed a traditional sacrificial dance, their steps powerful and filled with reverence for nature and the guardian stone. After the dance, silence fell, and all eyes were fixed on the old priest.

The old priest faced the stone bull statue, spread his arms, and chanted the sacrificial incantation passed down through generations in an ancient and desolate tone:
"The majestic stone ox guards the mountain; may my green ox be blessed with lasting fortune... Today we offer this sacred sacrifice, praying for a bountiful harvest; may the mountain god protect us, and evil spirits be kept at bay..."

The chanting echoed through the mountains, accompanying the rhythm of the sacrificial incantations. On a level imperceptible to ordinary villagers, the surface of the silent stone ox statue seemed to resonate faintly with the offerings, especially the fire rhinoceros-pig imbued with a faint spiritual aura. Inside the statue, the ancient and desolate atmosphere seemed to stir slightly.

"...Respectfully informing Heaven and Earth, we humbly request your acceptance of this offering!"

After the sacrificial invocation was completed, the old priest took the polished stone knife handed to him by a member of the tribe and prepared to kill the sacrificial offering, completing the final step of the blood sacrifice.

However, at this moment——

A low, rumbling sound came from the horizon, and a cold, oppressive aura quickly enveloped the entire village as it drew nearer.

The villagers looked up in terror and saw a huge, black, bone-carved treasure ship, shrouded in a faint, ethereal aura, slowly flying overhead. A hideous demon's head was carved at the prow, and the sails seemed to be formed from the wails of countless vengeful spirits, inspiring awe in all who beheld it.

"It's...it's a celestial master from the Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect!" The knowledgeable villager's voice trembled, and he quickly lowered his head, not daring to look directly at him.

On the treasure ship, a pale-faced, sunken-eyed young man dressed in a magnificent black robe leaned lazily against the railing, casually looking down at the village below, which resembled ants, and the primitive sacrificial activities. He was none other than Li Wuying, the young master of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect.

He was merely passing through on his way to another place to take care of important business, and had no interest in this mundane village. But the instant his gaze casually swept over the stone ox statue, a "Spirit-Detecting Jade" he had nurtured for many years at his waist suddenly emitted an extremely subtle, icy sensation!

"Hmm?" Li Wuying's lazy expression vanished instantly, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

His cultivation technique, the "Ten Thousand Ghosts Devouring Soul Technique," made him exceptionally sensitive to Yin energy, soul power, and certain special ancient spiritual energies. This Spirit-Detecting Yin Jade was an extraordinary treasure that aided his perception. Below, the stone ox statue, during village sacrifices, especially when a spiritually imbued demonic beast was offered as a sacrifice, actually triggered a strange, extremely subtle yet profoundly powerful fluctuation within the statue!
This fluctuation was not sinister; on the contrary, it carried a profound and ancient meaning. But to him, any special power had value!
"Stop," Li Wuying said calmly.

The enormous, ghost-headed treasure ship suddenly hovered in the air, and the resulting wind pressure made the villagers below almost unable to stand, filling them with fear.

Li Wuying carefully scanned the stone ox statue with his divine sense, and a curious smile appeared on his lips: "I didn't expect that such an object would be hidden in this remote and impoverished place. It looks like an ordinary stone, but it contains a universe within... Interesting."

He did not act immediately, but instead watched the terrified villagers below and the sacrificial ceremony that was about to be completed, like a cat playing with a mouse.

The old priest's stone knife froze in mid-air, unsure whether to strike or not.

Li Wuying's voice, tinged with a hint of mockery, echoed throughout the village: "Continue!"

He wanted to see what kind of trouble this sacrifice would bring.

The sacrificial ceremony has reached its final stage.

A sudden change occurred!

Perhaps it was the stimulation from the blood energy of the fire rhinoceros pig sacrifice containing spiritual energy, or perhaps it was the indescribable conflict between the cold ghostly aura emanating from the Wan Gui Men treasure ship and the ancient power contained within the stone ox statue, or perhaps it was the ancient sacrificial ritual that, after a long period of time, finally touched upon something core again...

The stone ox statue, which had been silent for countless years, suddenly erupted with phenomena far exceeding those before!

"Om-"

A deep, resonant hum emanated from within the stone statue, not just in their ears, but reverberating directly into the depths of everyone's souls! The mottled moss and weathering marks on the surface of the statue instantly peeled away, revealing a warm, jade-like texture beneath, faintly gleaming with an earthy yellow luster!

One after another, profound and ancient runes flashed across the surface of the stone ox. Although they quickly faded away, the vast, profound, and all-encompassing aura that it exuded in that instant caused an intensely burning light to burst forth in Li Wuying's eyes on the sky treasure ship!

"Indeed a treasure! Contains innate earth element essence? Or is it a vessel for some ancient inheritance? Haha, it should belong to this young master!"

Without further hesitation, Li Wuying let out a long laugh and his figure floated down from the treasure ship like a ghost, completely ignoring the terrified villagers below. A pitch-black hand formed from pure ghost energy appeared out of thin air and reached out to grab the stone ox statue, whose signs of revival were becoming increasingly obvious!
"No! The Guardian Stone!" The old priest's eyes widened in horror as he tried to pounce on it, but he was blasted away by the terrifying pressure emanating from the ghostly hand, spitting out blood.

The villagers cried out in despair; to them, it was as if the sky had fallen! The guardian deity they had worshipped for generations was about to be taken away by the demon!

The ghostly hand grabbed the stone ox statue.

The stone ox statue trembled violently, its earthen-yellow light flashing desperately in resistance, but under the suppression of Li Wuying's Golden Core level cultivation, its newly revived power was ultimately no match.

“Kacha…”

A few faint cracking sounds rang out, and some invisible connection between the stone ox statue and the earth was forcibly severed. The ghostly hand suddenly withdrew, bringing the stone ox statue, which had shrunk several times but still radiated spiritual light, back into Li Wuying's hands.

"Not bad, not bad! Although it is not fully recovered, its essence is extremely high! Take it back to the sect and ask Father or a few elders to refine it completely and extract its secrets!" Li Wuying played with the stone ox statue in his hand, nodded in satisfaction, and without even looking at the villagers below who looked like the end of the world, he returned to the treasure ship in a flash.

"go!"

The black treasure ship let out a sharp whistle, transformed into a streak of black light, and vanished into the horizon in an instant.

Only a deathly silence remained in Qingniu Village, which was then filled with deafening cries of grief.

"The guardian deity has been stolen!"

"It's over! Our village is finished!"

"The mountain god will punish me! Waaah..."

Supported by his clansmen, the old priest struggled to his feet. Looking at the empty altar, tears streamed down his face. But having experienced much in life, he forced back his grief and said, "Quick...quickly go to the Immortal Master's Temple on the other side of the mountain and beg to see the Immortal Master who guards this place! Perhaps...perhaps the Immortal Master has a way..."

The villagers suddenly realized what was happening and immediately dispatched the fastest young man to rush to Yunqing Temple, which was dozens of miles away, overnight.

A low-level Taoist temple established by an external force after the Fu family took control of the area.

The one guarding the Taoist temple was a young cultivator in the middle stage of Qi Refining.

When he heard the villagers' tearful report, especially the words "Young Master of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect," his face turned deathly pale.

Ten Thousand Ghosts Gate!
That's a major demonic sect guarded by a Nascent Soul True Monarch, infamous for its ruthlessness!

He was just a minor Qi Refining stage cultivator; in the other party's eyes, he was less than an ant.

"This matter...this matter is of utmost importance!" The young cultivator's voice was hoarse. "How could we possibly provoke someone like that? You...you'd better pray for your own good fortune!"

His first reaction was to back down; he didn't dare to get involved in the matter at all.

However, looking at the villagers' desperate and helpless eyes, and remembering that the Fu clan's rules included "protecting the mortals under their jurisdiction," and more importantly, recalling the decree that had been passed down from above not long ago, requiring all outposts to pay attention to any unusual situations within their territory, especially those related to ancient ruins and rare treasures, and to report them in a timely manner.

This stone ox statue is clearly "abnormal"!
The young cultivator struggled internally for a long time, and finally gritted his teeth:

"You may return first. I am aware of this matter. However, I cannot make the decision on my own. I must immediately report back to the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range and inform the inner elders of the main sect!"

Take out the communication jade talisman.

He quickly and concisely reported the situation in Qingniu Village.

……

Inside the volcano, in a secret chamber.

Fu Changsheng had just finished a round of meditation when the communication talisman outside the secret room lit up faintly. He scanned it with his divine sense, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Green Ox Village... Stone Ox Statue... Young Master of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect..."

"It seems that the item mentioned in the intelligence that sealed the spirit of the ancient green ox is this one."

Now, it has been taken away by the Wan Gui Men (Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect) through their meddling.
"Trying to run wild on my turf? You're asking for it!!"

...

...

The black, ghost-headed treasure ship sped through the clouds like lightning, heading towards the far west.

Inside the cabin, the decorations were luxurious, yet a chilling atmosphere permeated the air.

Li Wuying dismissed his attendants and sat alone on a chair carved from the bones of an unknown beast, toying with the stone bull statue he had taken from Qingniu Village.

At this moment, the stone ox statue has shrunk to the size of a palm. Its surface is warm and smooth, and its earthy yellow luster is restrained, but its ancient and desolate aura is even more obvious.

"A mere mortal village, yet it worships such a sacred object—what a waste!" Li Wuying sneered, his eyes gleaming with a determined light. "However, if it weren't for the priest and I passing by, this object would likely have remained gathering dust. It is rightfully mine!"

He tried to penetrate the stone statue with his own divine sense and ghostly magic, but found that the invisible seal inside the statue was exceptionally tough. Its power attribute was neutral and balanced, subtly countering his ghostly magic, and it was difficult to shake it for a while.

"Hmph, you do have some tricks up your sleeve. It seems ordinary methods won't work."

Li Wuying was not discouraged; on the contrary, she became even more excited.

The more difficult it is to open, the more precious the treasures contained within are.

He hesitated for a moment, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by greed.

A faint light flashed from the storage ring on his finger, and a bone needle about three inches long, completely black, with countless fine ghost patterns engraved on its surface, appeared in his hand.

"Breaking the Forbidden Zone: Ghost Bone Needle!"

This was one of the spiritual treasures bestowed upon him by his master to protect his life. It was specially designed to break all kinds of restrictions and barriers, and its power was extremely great, but the number of times it could be used was limited, and once it was used, it was gone forever.

If he hadn't sensed that the substance within the stone ox statue might greatly benefit his cultivation, he would never have been willing to use the needle.

(End of this chapter)