Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 648 Nascent Soul Spirit Pet! Three Sects Attack!

Fu Changsheng focused his thoughts on the panel in his mind's eye, and lines of text appeared:

[Contract Target: Void Ancient Beast (Unnamed, Near Death)]

[Location: Unknown Shattered Realm (Incomplete Laws, on the Verge of Collapse)]

[Status: Suffering from the wounds of the Great Dao, the soul is incomplete, the origin is scattered, and only a trace of true spirit remains.]

[Contractual Request: Seeking a stable, secluded world to dwell in, where the power of its primordial essence can nurture my remnant soul and delay its complete annihilation. In exchange, I offer my innate supernatural ability [Void Travel] and a portion of my [Spatial Awareness].]

Potential Value:
[Void Travel]: Ignores most formations and restrictions, allowing for short to medium distance spatial teleportation. (Requires partial recovery of power before it can be used)
[Spatial Insight]: Its natural affinity and understanding of space can help the host deepen their understanding of the laws of space, which is beneficial to cultivation, weapon crafting, and array formation.

Five Elements Space Completion: It contains a trace of spatial origin. If it can be nurtured and restored within the Five Elements Space, it can accelerate the growth of the space, stabilize the boundaries, and even give rise to true spatial laws.

Risk: Saving this beast requires continuous consumption of the Five Elements Space's essence, and later on, it will consume the contractor's own mana and divine sense. Furthermore, its recovery period is extremely long, and it cannot be combat-ready in the short term. If it ultimately perishes, all initial investments will be lost.

Compatibility: Extremely high. The Five Elements Space possesses growth potential and is full of vitality, making it ideal for nurturing a remnant soul. The host's Chaos Dao Foundation and powerful divine sense can also provide necessary support. [Void Travel] and [Spatial Comprehension] are of immense value to the host's personal strength enhancement and the family's strategic capabilities.

“Ancient Void Beast! [Void Travel]! [Spatial Comprehension]!” Fu Changsheng’s heart was filled with shock.

This contract partner was practically tailor-made for him! [Void Travel] signifies extremely strong survival ability and strategic mobility, while [Spatial Comprehension] directly points to the laws of the Great Dao! And promoting the growth of the Five Elements Space is the foundation for long-term development!
Although treating it requires continuous investment and carries considerable risks, it is worth the risk compared to its potentially huge returns! Especially since the system's analysis clearly indicates an "extremely high degree of compatibility"!
At this moment, the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea is about to run out, and the projection of the Myriad Worlds Lake begins to become unstable.

Fu Changsheng's divine sense immediately locked onto the almost imperceptible fluctuation representing the "Void Ancient Beast," conveying a clear intention of contract:
"Alright. I have a growth-promoting cave, teeming with life, which I am willing to provide for you to dwell and nurture. You must use your ability to [traverse the void] and your [spatial perception] as a bond to assist my cultivation and protect my path."

A faint, yet relieved thought came through: "...Good...as you wish..."

A contract rune, more complex than the previous [Purifying Soul Coral] and containing spatial fluctuations, condensed in the void.

Fu Changsheng confirmed it was correct and left a divine imprint.

The moment the contract was established, the [Heavenly Contract Order (Fragment)] was completely reduced to dust and vanished into the air. A true spirit, almost transparent, as thin as a wisp, and emitting faint spatial fluctuations, followed the contract's connection and silently entered the Five Elements Space, falling into slumber.

Fu Changsheng could sense that the primordial power of the Five Elements Space was beginning to flow automatically towards the sleeping true spirit, slowly but continuously.

His gaze fell upon the guardian beast standing before the mysterious palace:

"It's time to go into seclusion."

...

...

With a thought, Fu Changsheng appeared in the lotus pond pavilion in the system's training room.

A right hand flip.

The jade slip containing the "Ten Thousand Treasures Manual" floated in front of me.

The "Myriad Treasures Manual" is profound and all-encompassing, its core lying in the word "clarity." It does not adhere to fixed refining techniques, but rather pursues understanding the essence of magical treasures.

The first layer, "The Reflection of Treasures," teaches practitioners how to use their own divine consciousness as a mirror to reflect the "true form" within a magical treasure and find its most fundamental "spiritual core."

Once the "Spiritual Pivot" is found, most of the restrictions and defenses on the surface of the magical artifact can be bypassed, and a preliminary connection can be established directly with the artifact, leaving one's own imprint.

Fu Changsheng immersed himself in it, constantly refining his divine sense according to the instructions, making it more condensed and agile, and giving it a unique "reflection" characteristic.

Time stands still in the training room.

After an unknown amount of time, Fu Changsheng's divine sense seemed to be coated with a faint glow. With a thought, he could perceive the subtle structure and energy flow of the magical treasures around him more clearly.

"it's time."

He had a thought in his mind.

I came out of the practice room.

Arriving before the guardian beast, his gaze fell upon the [Spirit Locking Box].

Fu Changsheng held his breath and focused his mind, circulating the "Myriad Treasures Technique: Reflecting Treasures Chapter". Strange light shone in his eyes, and his divine sense, like the gentlest ripples of water, slowly enveloped the Spirit Locking Box.

Under his "reflection".

The seemingly seamless exterior of the Forbidden Spirit Locking Box gradually became "transparent," revealing the incredibly complex Dao patterns within.

Fu Changsheng carefully guided his divine sense, tempered by the "Ten Thousand Treasures Technique," as if holding a key, along the gaps in the Dao patterns, avoiding the warning range of the Nascent Soul mark, and silently approached the Spirit Pivot.

This process is extremely mentally taxing; the slightest mistake can trigger the mark and ruin everything.

Time passes little by little.

Finally, Fu Changsheng's divine sense successfully touched that faint light of the Spirit Pivot!

"The Yingbao is complete, the Ling Shu is the guide, let's make the pact!"

He silently chanted in his heart, and following the incantation, imprinted a pure trace of his divine soul essence along the channel of divine consciousness toward the light of the spiritual pivot!
hum!
The Forbidden Spirit Locking Box trembled slightly, its surface shimmering with black light. The Nascent Soul mark seemed to sense something, suddenly lighting up and emitting a force of resistance.

However, Fu Changsheng's mark was not forcibly erased, but rather a direct connection was established between the "Spiritual Pivot" and the core of the magic weapon, just like adding a right of residence agreement recognized by the "world rules" next to a solid property ownership certificate.

The Nascent Soul mark remained, signifying that the original owner's ownership had not been revoked. However, Fu Changsheng, through the profound mysteries of the "Myriad Treasures Manual," successfully gained partial access to the magical artifact!

A feeling of being connected to the Forbidden Spirit Lock Box by blood welled up in my heart.

Although he was not yet able to fully control it, unleash its full power, or erase the nascent soul mark, he was already able to open the box and mobilize some of the binding power!
A glint flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he activated the newly established connection with his mind.

"open!"

Click.

With a soft sound, the lid of the Spirit Locking Box slowly opened a crack.

In an instant.

A savage, violent, and ancient demonic power surged out from the crack like a flood bursting its banks!

A huge phantom covered in dark gold scales condensed above the box; it was the Nascent Soul stage guardian beast that had been imprisoned for a long time!

"Humans! Insects! Release me! Otherwise, once I am free, I will tear you to pieces!" The guardian beast's will was filled with violence.

Despite the overwhelming ferocity, Fu Changsheng remained unmoved.

In the Five Elements Space.

He is the ruler!
As he circulated the "Myriad Treasures Technique," strengthening his control over the Spirit-Locking Box through the Spirit Pivot and suppressing the counterattack of the Guardian Beast's demonic soul, he spoke coldly:
"Tear him to pieces? If you were in your prime, you might have that right. But now, life and death are in my hands."

With a slight thought, he strengthened the binding power of the Spirit Locking Box, causing the phantom of the Guardian Beast to distort and let out a painful roar.

"Hmph! If I hadn't been ambushed by a villain and severely injured, how could I have been captured by that junior from the Joyful Sect? And how could I allow you, a mere junior, to act so presumptuously here!" The guardian beast roared, but its momentum was clearly weakened.

"Let bygones be bygones regarding past glories," Fu Changsheng said calmly. "Now that you are in my hands, I will give you two choices out of consideration for your arduous cultivation."

"First, they will remain imprisoned in this box, and as time goes by, their spirituality will be worn away and they will eventually disappear completely."

"Second, submit to me and enter into a contract with me. I can find you a suitable body to help you regain your demonic form and reach new heights."

Upon hearing this, the guardian beast's enormous eyes flashed with a hint of mockery and struggle: "Submit? You? A mere Golden Core stage human brat? You dare to make me submit? I would rather be annihilated than suffer such humiliation!"

It was, after all, a Nascent Soul stage demon, and had its own pride.

Fu Changsheng had expected this, so he wasn't angry. He simply said slowly, "What if I could provide the blood of a true dragon to rebuild your foundation?"

"True dragon blood?" The guardian beast was taken aback at first, then burst into wild laughter, "Hahaha! What a joke! True dragons have long since disappeared, they are only legends even in ancient times! Don't try to fool me!"

Fu Changsheng said no more. With a thought, the jade box containing the [Diluted Ancestral Dragon Essence Blood] appeared in his hand. He carefully peeled back a crack in the talisman.

boom!
A vast, majestic, and terrifying dragon's might, surpassing all living beings, instantly spread out!
Although it was only a trace, it caused the guardian beast's demonic soul to tremble violently, and its phantom became somewhat unstable. Its huge beast eyes were filled with unbelievable horror and... a trace of instinctive desire!

"This...this is...the aura of the Ancestral Dragon?! Impossible! How could the essence blood of the Ancestral Dragon still exist in this world?!" The guardian beast's voice trembled violently. Its perception of bloodlines far surpassed that of humans, and it clearly felt the fatal attraction of the item in the jade box! It was an unparalleled opportunity that could allow it to be reborn and break through the shackles of its bloodline!

Fu Changsheng quickly sealed the jade box, isolating it from the air, and calmly looked at it: "Now, do you think I'm worthy?"

The guardian beast fell silent.

The enormous phantom undulated in the air, revealing its intense inner struggle.

Pride and survival, freedom and the future... its resolve wavered in the face of a true opportunity.

After a long while, it raised its head, and the ferocity and arrogance in its beastly eyes subsided considerably, replaced by a complex emotion. It said in a deep voice, "If you... can truly help me rebuild my foundation with the essence blood of the Ancestral Dragon, I... Kui Mulong, am willing to serve you as my master, form a soul contract, and follow you for eternity!"

It revealed its true name, signifying its sincere submission.

Fu Changsheng felt certain that the matter was settled. His expression turned solemn as he began to outline the contract runes according to an ancient soul contract technique.

"With my soul, I guide your spirit; if the pact is made, we shall live together; if the pact is broken, we shall perish together..."

A complex and profound soul power rune condensed in the void and slowly flew towards the demon soul of the guardian beast Kui Mulong.

As Kui Mulong looked at the soul contract that represented absolute constraint, the last trace of struggle in its eyes turned into determination. It let out a low roar and took the initiative to release its divine soul defense, allowing the soul contract runes to be imprinted on the core of its demon soul.

hum!
The contract is established!

A close connection was established between Fu Changsheng and Kui Mulong. Fu Changsheng could clearly sense Kui Mulong's state and thoughts, and could decide his life or death with a single thought. Kui Mulong, on the other hand, completely restrained his ferocity, and his gaze towards Fu Changsheng was filled with awe and a hint of anticipation for rebuilding his foundation in the future.

"Kui Mulong greets his master!"

The enormous phantom lowered its head, signifying complete submission.

at the same time.

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in my mind:
"Ding"

"You have added a Nascent Soul cultivator to your family and have been awarded a super-buff lottery draw. Would you like to redeem it?"

...

...

The General's Mansion stands guard on the westernmost border.

Unlike the bustling inland areas, this place is characterized by its rugged and imposing architecture, constructed from massive bluestone blocks. The walls bear the marks of time and the erosion of wind and sand, and faintly retain traces of charring and damage from magical attacks. A chilling and ruthless aura permeates the air, and the soldiers passing by are all heavily armored, with sharp eyes, and their cultivation levels are clearly not low.

Led by a bodyguard, Fu Yongfan entered the main hall of the general's mansion.

Seated at the head of the table was a middle-aged general clad in heavy black armor, his face as resolute as a rock. He did not deliberately exude an aura of power, but the murderous intent and majesty honed through countless battles and countless deaths loomed over the entire hall like an invisible mountain. This man was none other than General Yue Zhenshan, a renowned general who had guarded the far western border for over a century.

"Nephew Fu, it's been many years, and you're even more impressive than before. I heard you've successfully formed your core in the capital. Congratulations!"

Yue Zhenshan's voice was loud and clear, with the straightforwardness characteristic of soldiers. He had had several encounters with Fu Changsheng and had a general understanding of the Fu family.

Fu Yongfan dared not be negligent and bowed respectfully:
"Junior Fu Yongfan pays his respects to General Yue. General, you have worked hard and made great contributions in guarding the border, which I admire greatly. I have come here today with important matters to report."

"Oh? What could possibly make the eldest son of the Fu family personally come to this desolate place? Please speak freely." Yue Zhenshan's gaze was sharp as lightning as he looked at Fu Yongfan.

Fu Yongfan's expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "I have recently received definite news that the Joyful Sect, Autumn Moon Nunnery, and Myriad Spirits Sect have joined forces and are expected to launch a major invasion of our territory in four years!"

"Three sects joining forces?" Yue Zhenshan's rugged brows furrowed suddenly, and he leaned forward slightly, instantly making the atmosphere in the hall even more oppressive. "Is the source of this information reliable?"

“Absolutely reliable.” Fu Yongfan nodded firmly. “This is inside information that my Fu family obtained at great cost, and it is absolutely true.”

Yue Zhenshan remained silent for a moment, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the hard armrest, producing a dull thud.

"Nephew Fu, are you aware of the current situation of my border garrison?"

Before Fu Yongfan could answer, he continued:

"Decades ago, our army suffered considerable losses in the battle against the Joyful Sect. In recent years, the imperial court has shifted its focus and has limited its investment in the far west. Now, with the troops under my command relying on the terrain and military formation, even if we do our best, at most... we can only hold off one of the main forces of the sect."

"Can only withstand one sect?" Fu Yongfan's heart sank. Although he had expected it, hearing it from Yue Zhenshan himself still put him under tremendous pressure.

This means that the military might of the other two factions will be directly aimed at these border families!

The Fu family was the first to be affected!

Yue Zhenshan observed the change in Fu Yongfan's expression and said slowly:

"This matter concerns the safety of the border. I will immediately report to the court as the most urgent military intelligence, explain the advantages and disadvantages, request the court to send reinforcements as soon as possible, and coordinate the support of surrounding prefectures and counties."

He paused slightly, looking at Fu Yongfan:
"However, the imperial court's procedures are complicated, and when and how many reinforcements will arrive are all unknown. Your Fu family, and even the aristocratic families along the entire Wuzhou border, need to make preparations as soon as possible and cannot place all their hopes on external aid."

Fu Yongfan looked troubled, his brows furrowed.

Although the Fu family is developing rapidly, facing the combined power of the two sects alone would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. He pondered:
"General Yue, it's not that I'm afraid of battle, but... if any of the three opposing sects has a Nascent Soul True Monarch who disregards their status and attacks..."

This is his deepest concern, and that of all the border families.

The difference between Nascent Soul and Golden Core is like heaven and earth. If a Nascent Soul cultivator disregards the rules and acts rashly, he can easily turn the tide of battle, or even carry out a decapitation strike.

Upon hearing this, Yue Zhenshan's face revealed a meaningful expression. He waved his hand, his tone carrying a sense of certainty:
"Nephew Fu, there is no need to worry too much about this matter."

"Oh? What do you mean by that, General?" Fu Yongfan perked up and quickly asked.

Yue Zhenshan stood up, walked to the huge military map hanging on one side of the hall, his back to Fu Yongfan, and his voice came from behind him:
"Do you know why the Nascent Soul stage monsters of the Joyful Sect didn't personally participate in that battle decades ago? It wasn't that they didn't want to, but that they couldn't, or rather... dared not."

He turned around, his gaze intense: "Today, in the Southern Continent, all the major powers, whether righteous or demonic, or even my Great Zhou Dynasty, have actually reached an unspoken understanding—Nascent Soul cultivators will not easily interfere in wars involving Golden Core cultivators and below."

"Why is that?" Fu Yongfan was shocked and quickly asked for an explanation. "There are two reasons."

"Firstly, Nascent Soul cultivators are the cornerstone of a power and a strategic deterrent. Once a Nascent Soul cultivator leaves the battlefield, it means the start of a full-scale war, and the situation will be completely out of control with no room for maneuver. This is something that no party wants to see."

"Secondly, and most importantly..."

Yue Zhenshan lowered his voice, his tone solemn:
"It is said that behind this tacit understanding lies the influence of the will of those Nascent Soul cultivators who truly look down upon all living beings from the center of the continent. They seem unwilling to see Nascent Soul cultivators act recklessly and disrupt a certain balance."

He looked at Fu Yongfan and concluded:
"Therefore, you can regard this as an invisible rule. The war four years from now will most likely still be a contest at the Golden Core level. The Nascent Soul level monsters will at most strategize behind the scenes and provide resources, but the possibility of them personally taking action is extremely small. Otherwise, they will inevitably provoke retaliation from the other side with equal strength, and may even anger some unspeakable beings."

After listening to Yue Zhenshan's words, Fu Yongfan finally felt relieved about the huge weight that had been placed on his shoulders regarding the Nascent Soul cultivator's actions. Although the pressure was still immense, at least he now knew the upper limit of his enemy's strength.

"Thank you for your clarification, General!" Fu Yongfan bowed deeply. "In that case, I only need to focus on dealing with enemies at the Golden Core level. I will return to my family now to report the situation and prepare for battle as soon as possible!"

Yue Zhenshan nodded: "Go. Inform Patriarch Fu that the border defenses will be held by me and my men. However, rear support, resource allocation, and even flanking maneuvers and harassment against invading enemies will depend on the strength of your families. I hope the Fu family can stand firm in this crisis!"

"We will not fail the general's trust! The entire Fu family will do everything in our power to protect our homeland!" Fu Yongfan said firmly. After bowing again, he turned and strode away, his figure quickly disappearing into the sandstorm of the border fortress.

Yue Zhenshan gazed in the direction he had left, his eyes deep, and murmured to himself, "The three sects are attacking... a storm is brewing. I hope the imperial reinforcements can arrive in time..."

...

...

The Fu family's council hall.

Fu Yongfan sat in the main seat, his expression calm, his gaze sweeping over the four people present—the sixth-rank Ouyang family patriarch, the Wu family patriarch, the Cao family patriarch, and the Lei family patriarch.

"Esteemed clan leaders," Fu Yongfan said, getting straight to the point, his voice clear and powerful, "Our Fu family has received intelligence that the Joyful Sect, Autumn Moon Nunnery, and Myriad Spirits Sect in the far west have joined forces and will surely come knocking on our gates in four years. Although General Yue on the border will do his best to resist, his forces are limited, and he can only stop one sect at most. The main forces of the remaining two sects are very likely to be heading towards our Fu family's Huixi County!"

He paused briefly, observed the expressions of the four people, and continued:

"To be honest, according to our Fu family's extensive investigation, the other side's large-scale mobilization this time is most likely aimed at that extinct volcano in Huixi County."

This statement came out.

Almost simultaneously, a knowing glint flashed in the eyes of the three clan leaders: Ouyang, Wu, and Cao. They exchanged a subtle glance.

really!

The rumors are true!
As expected, a secret realm was hidden beneath the extinct volcano controlled by the Fu family—the Water Cloud Cave!
Otherwise, why would the three sects covet it so much?

The rapid development of the Fu family in recent years is probably inseparable from that cave!

Fu Yongfan took in everyone's reactions and said in a deep voice:

“Since their objective is clear, we can target our attack accordingly. I propose that the five of us join forces and deploy our main forces in advance around the extinct volcano in Huixi County, using the terrain to our advantage to set up multiple formations and ambushes, creating an inescapable trap!”

His tone gradually rose, carrying a sense of determination:
"If those two bandits dare to break through the defenses and rush straight here, we will wait in comfort, concentrate our superior forces, and annihilate them in one fell swoop under the dormant volcano! At that time, not only will we be able to resolve the crisis, but the spoils left behind by the three sects will also be enough to make our family's strength rise to a higher level!"

This proposal is extremely tempting and aligns with the military principle of concentrating forces to annihilate the enemy.

Clan Chief Ouyang was the first to speak, stating that his family had the closest kinship ties with the Fu family, and immediately said:
“Nephew Yongfan is absolutely right! Rather than dividing our forces to guard the area, we should unite as one! My Ouyang family is willing to contribute three Golden Core cultivators and fifty Purple Mansion cultivators to help defend the dormant volcano!”

Clan Chief Wu followed closely behind, nodding and saying:
"The Wu family and the Fu family are of the same blood and should advance and retreat together. My Wu family can also provide two Golden Core cultivators and twenty Purple Mansion cultivators to be at your disposal." What he was planning in mind was naturally to take this opportunity to let his grandson Fu Qinglin make meritorious contributions and compete for the position of heir.

After a moment's thought, the Cao clan chief also spoke up: "The Cao family is willing to contribute two Golden Core cultivators and thirty Purple Mansion cultivators to lend the Fu family a helping hand!"

In a short time, apart from Clan Chief Lei, the other three families had all expressed their support for Fu Yongfan's plan. This was due not only to the ties of marriage but also to their awe and dependence on the Fu family's current status as a fifth-rank aristocratic family.

Clan Chief Lei frowned:
"What if these three attacks are a feint, a grand offensive against the extinct volcano in Huixi County, while secretly dividing their forces to launch surprise attacks on our respective mountain gates?"

"Our Lei family's mountain gate is newly established. Although it is not as well-established as the Fu family's, it is still the result of our ancestors' hard work. Our resources and family foundation are all here! If the enemy takes advantage of our weakness and destroys our stronghold, the war at the front will not be over yet, and our rear will be in ruins. Wouldn't we be at a loss, like a rootless duckweed?"

"Even if we win at the extinct volcano, what's the point if our family's foundation is destroyed? Clan Chief Fu, how can you guarantee that the enemy's target will definitely be the extinct volcano, and that they won't divide their forces to attack our sect? Concentrating our main force in one place... isn't that too risky?"

Fu Yongfan did not immediately answer Chief Lei's question.

He simply picked up the spirit tea beside him, gently blew away the floating leaves, took a sip, and moved with composure, as if he had not heard the sharp question, or as if he had already made up his mind.

For a moment, only the soft clinking of teacups could be heard in the council hall, and the atmosphere became subtly tense.

Clan Chief Ouyang and Clan Chief Cao exchanged glances, then remained silent in tacit agreement, looking at Clan Chief Lei, whose expression was gradually turning ugly.

Seeing this, Chief Wu's eyes flashed with a sharp light; he knew it was his turn to step forward. He put down his teacup, chuckled softly, and broke the silence:
"Brother Lei, you are mistaken."

He looked at Clan Chief Lei, his tone still calm, but the weight of his words suddenly increased:

"Brother Lei must have forgotten that according to the laws of our Great Zhou Dynasty, a fifth-rank aristocratic family has the right to urgently mobilize and assist in the defense of aristocratic families of the sixth rank and below within its jurisdiction. This is the responsibility and right that the imperial dynasty has given to aristocratic families to guard their local areas."

His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Clan Chief Lei's face, his voice slightly deep:

"My nephew Yongfan has summoned us today because of our long-standing neighborly relationship and deep friendship. We are here to discuss matters and devise a good plan. This demonstrates the benevolence of the Fu family and the kindness of my nephew Yongfan. If we proceed according to the rules..."

Chief Wu paused, his tone carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"The Fu family only needs to issue a mandatory conscription order, commanding all our families to send troops to assist in the defense according to regulations. At that time, there will be a set number of Golden Core cultivators and Foundation Establishment cultivators that each family needs to mobilize. How can you and I bargain here and question the strategy? Brother Lei, what do you say... is that right or wrong?"

These words struck Chief Lei's heart like a heavy hammer.

His expression suddenly changed, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.

Yes!

He was so preoccupied with worrying about the family's future that he almost forgot the most crucial point—times have changed! The Fu family was no longer the sixth-rank family that needed to cooperate with them on an equal footing, but a high-ranking fifth-rank family! Their status had undergone a complete transformation!

The Great Zhou Dynasty was founded on aristocratic families, with a strict hierarchy. Lower-ranking aristocratic families were obligated to obey the summons of higher-ranking families—a written law, an inviolable ironclad rule! Anyone who dared to disobey would be demoted in rank at best, and considered a traitor at worst, subject to military action!
Fu Yongfan's "discussion" at this moment was indeed a huge favor.

Having grasped the crux of the matter, Chief Lei, despite his immense resentment and worry, could only forcefully suppress them. His expression shifted several times, ultimately settling into a look of bitterness and helplessness.

He took a deep breath, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Fu Yongfan, and said in a strained voice:
"Fellow Daoist Fu... I was careless and misspoke. Clan Chief Wu is right, assisting in the defense of the upper sect is our duty."

He gritted his teeth and promised:
"My Lei family... is willing to obey Clan Chief Fu's orders and send troops to assist in defending the dead volcano!"

But then he changed the subject, his tone tinged with a hint of embarrassment and reluctance:
"However... Chief Fu, please understand that decades ago, my main branch of the Lei family... had some misunderstandings and conflicts with the nobles, which led to... led to a great loss of vitality. In the past few decades, although my collateral branch has tried its best to support itself and establish a new branch, its foundation is shallow and its talents are dwindling. It is really... really beyond its capabilities."

He steeled himself and revealed his final trump card:

"My Lei family can only send one early-stage Golden Core elder and... ten Purple Mansion cultivators to serve at most. This is the maximum strength my clan can muster, and we hope Clan Chief Fu will understand!"

After speaking, he lowered his head deeply, not daring to look Fu Yongfan in the eye again. This number of troops dispatched was far less than the other families, almost a perfunctory gesture, but he had indeed reached his limit. Any more, and he feared that internal strife would arise within the family.

Fu Yongfan then put down his teacup, calmly looking at Clan Chief Lei. He neither showed anger nor pressed the matter, but simply said indifferently:

"Our Fu family appreciates Chief Lei's kindness. Ten Purple Mansion cultivators are fine; it's better than nothing. At that time, please, Fellow Daoist Lei, just follow his orders."

He didn't care about the size of the force; as long as the Lei family expressed their obedience, his goal was achieved. Whether they harbored any resentment was irrelevant in the face of absolute power and the established rules.

Upon hearing this, Chief Lei felt a mix of emotions. He was relieved to have escaped a calamity, but also frustrated by being subservient to others. In the end, he let out a silent sigh and sat back down.

Fu Yongfan surveyed the room, and seeing no further objections, said in a deep voice:
"In that case, the alliance is established. I will discuss the specific defense arrangements with you all later. I hope you will all return and make preparations as soon as possible, so that we can jointly defend against foreign aggression four years from now!"

"We will obey Young Master Fu's command!" This time, the four clan leaders, including Clan Leader Lei, all responded in unison.

The alliance of the five families was thus formed under the absolute leadership of the Fu family.

After seeing the four clan leaders off, to ensure everything went smoothly, Fu Yongfan returned to the secret chamber and used his divination technique once more.

...

...

The Joyful Sect, Headmaster Jing Shi.

The Venerable Huanxi sat cross-legged before a huge water mirror, where ripples gradually emerged, revealing two shimmering reflections.

On the left is an elderly nun dressed in a moon-white robe, with a gaunt face and sharp, eagle-like eyes; she is none other than Abbess Jingnian, the abbess of Qiuyue Nunnery. On the right is a burly man with a thick beard, wearing an animal-skin cloak and surrounded by the faint phantoms of hundreds of beasts; he is Master Wanshou Zhenren, the leader of the Wanling Sect.

"Master Jingnian, Master of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, how have you been?" Master Huanxi spoke first, his voice coming through the water mirror, carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency.

"What brings you here, fellow Daoist Huanxi?" Master Jingnian's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Master Wanshou laughed heartily, his voice booming: "Is it about the Fu family's Shuiyun Cave Heaven? I am quite interested in the plan you mentioned earlier about the three families sharing it, but the specific details still need to be discussed."

Master Huanxi took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety, and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, the plan has changed, and we need to act ahead of schedule."

"Oh? Why are you in such a hurry?" Master Jingnian frowned slightly.

“I just received definite news,” Master Huanxi said solemnly, “the Fu family has secretly taken action and wiped out the Vermilion Bird Tribe in the Eastern Wilderness!”

Upon hearing this, the two people opposite the water mirror paused slightly.

Master Huanxi continued, "Not only that, the Xuan Turtle and Fire Phoenix tribes, who had originally agreed to join forces with the Vermilion Bird tribe, have become fearful after seeing the Vermilion Bird tribe's destruction, and have ceased their attacks, no longer daring to offend the Fu family! Our 'assistance' in the Eastern Wilderness is gone!"

He paused, then dropped another bombshell: "Furthermore, just recently, the Great Zhou Dynasty officially issued an imperial edict, and the Fu family... has been promoted to a fifth-rank aristocratic family!"

"Fifth rank?!" The smile on Master Wanshou's face vanished, replaced by astonishment. Abbess Jingnian's fingers, which were twirling her prayer beads, also paused slightly.

Being recognized as a fifth-rank family signifies that the Fu family has gained official recognition from the imperial court, resulting in a completely different status. Their influence and ability to mobilize resources will be greatly enhanced, making them no longer the easily manipulated border family they once were.

"It's a case of one gaining at the expense of the other!" Venerable Huanxi lamented. "If we wait any longer, and the Fu family fully digests the benefits of advancing to the fifth rank, integrates the resources from annexing the Vermilion Bird Tribe, and becomes fully powerful and stable... at that time, let alone conquering Shuiyun Cave Heaven, it's uncertain whether we can even protect ourselves from their military might!"

His true intentions were revealed, his voice carrying a hint of ruthlessness and allure: "We must take advantage of their unstable footing and catch them off guard! Now that the threat from the Eastern Wilderness has been eliminated, the Fu family may be relaxing and celebrating, which is a golden opportunity for us!"

"You two should be well aware of the richness of Shuiyun Cave and the abundance of the Fu family's resources. Once we break through its defenses, the resources we obtain will be enough to greatly increase the strength of our sect! If we delay any longer, and it gains enough power, this piece of meat that's right in front of us will truly fly away!"

A brief silence fell on the other side of the water mirror.

Master Jingnian and Master Wanshou were clearly weighing the pros and cons quickly.

The news of the Fu family's advancement to the fifth rank and the annihilation of the Vermilion Bird tribe indeed disrupted their expectations. Continuing to wait would increase the risks, while taking action prematurely, though seemingly hasty, might indeed allow them to seize the opportunity when the Fu family's defenses were weakest.

After a while.

Master Wanshou spoke first, a glint of greed and determination flashing in his eyes: "Fortune favors the bold! Since the opportunity is fleeting, let's do it! My Wanling Sect agrees to send troops ahead of schedule!"

Master Jingnian pondered for a few breaths, then slowly nodded, a flash of fierceness in her eyes: "Amitabha, the Fu family has acted perversely, destroying tribes and violating the harmony of Heaven. My Qiuyue Nunnery is also willing to intervene and set things right. Has Fellow Daoist Huanxi already decided on a specific time?"

Seeing that the two had agreed, the Joyful Master was overjoyed and immediately said, "There's no time to lose! Ten days from now, all the elite troops from our three sects will be dispatched, bypassing the key defense areas of the border army, and secretly infiltrating through 'Black Wind Canyon' to strike directly at the extinct volcano in Huixi County of the Fu family! We'll catch them completely off guard!"

"Alright! We'll meet at Black Wind Canyon in ten days!"

"good!"

The ripples on the water faded, and the projection disappeared.

In the quiet room, Master Huanxi was alone, a smile on his face that was a mixture of ferocity and anticipation.

"Fu Changsheng... Fu family... your death is nigh! No one can stop my path to the Nascent Soul stage!"

...

...

Beyond Black Wind Canyon, in a desolate mountain valley.

The three groups quietly converged.

The disciples of the Joyful Sect were mostly dressed in crimson or dark purple robes, their auras mixed, carrying a sense of lewdness and malevolence; the nuns of the Autumn Moon Nunnery were all dressed in plain white robes, their faces solemn, but their eyes sharp as swords, their spiritual energy pure yet cold; the disciples of the Myriad Spirits Sect wore various clothes, mostly decorated with animal skins, and were accompanied by either ferocious spirit beasts or strange demonic birds, their auras the wildest.

The auras of 150 Golden Core cultivators intertwined, and despite their deliberate suppression, the surrounding air still stagnated, and the Purple Mansion disciples dared not even breathe loudly.

Although the three forces have temporarily united, they remain distinct and subtly wary of each other.

Standing at the forefront of the formation, Master Huanxi gazed upon the powerful force behind him, a surge of pride welling up within him. His eyes swept over Abbess Jingnian of Qiuyue Nunnery and Master Wanshou of Wanling Sect, and he said in a deep voice:
"Gentlemen, we are near the border. That old bastard Yue Zhenshan's patrol team could appear at any time. We need to act quickly and proceed according to plan."

He paused:

"Our Joyful Sect personally tested the strengths and weaknesses of this border defense decades ago and is extremely familiar with it. For the time being, our sect will lead this operation. Do either of you have any objections?"

Master Jingnian remained expressionless, and simply said, "I hope Fellow Daoist Huanxi will not betray our trust."

Master Wanshou grinned and patted the head of a fierce tiger spirit beast beside him: "As long as we can break through the Fu family and seize the benefits, we don't care who we listen to! Let's set off quickly!"

Seeing that the two did not object, Huanxi Shangren felt reassured and waved his hand: "Let's go! Destination: Black Wind Canyon!"

Under the cover of night and the complex terrain, the group stealthily made their way towards a hidden gap in the western border defense of the Great Zhou Dynasty—Black Wind Canyon.

A few hours later.

A vast canyon shrouded in gray-black mist appeared before them.

The canyon's cliffs on both sides were as if carved by a knife, their depths unfathomable. A chilling wind howled within, swirling eerie black mist that seemed capable of swallowing light and even divine sense, inspiring awe and fear. Furthermore, subtle fluctuations of spatial rifts emanated from the depths of the canyon, exuding a dangerous aura.

The spiritual energy here is thin and chaotic, and the place is deathly silent, which is completely different from the frequent patrols on other sections of the border. Just as the intelligence said, the defense is extremely weak.

However, Abbess Jingnian frowned slightly. She gazed at the eerie Black Wind Canyon, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, and said:

“Fellow Daoist Huanxi, the defenses here are so weak, almost non-existent... Could this be a trap set by Yue Zhenshan to lure us in? He deliberately left this opening to lure us into a trap?”

Upon hearing her words, several Golden Core elders nearby also showed thoughtful expressions. Yue Zhenshan was a shrewd and experienced strategist, no ordinary person, and such an obvious flaw did indeed arouse suspicion.

(End of this chapter)