Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 662 An astonishing gain, the whereabouts of parents, and a game of strategy
Rumble…

When the ninth, thickest, and most violent bolt of tribulation lightning—a purple-gold lightning bolt that seemed to combine the power of the previous eight—was successfully "tamed," transformed, and absorbed by the final wave of mirror light from the Nine Phoenix Nirvana Mirror—

In the sky, the thick, oppressive clouds that had covered dozens of miles and had been pressing down for so long began to slowly dissipate.

Where the tribulation clouds dispersed, what appeared was not an ordinary clear sky, but a magnificent and peaceful scene—seven-colored rays of light filled the sky, golden lotus phantoms bloomed out of thin air, celestial music lingered, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. Furthermore, streams of pure and incomparable primordial energy, like sweet rain from heaven, converged upon Princess Runyu, who had successfully transcended her tribulation!

A strange phenomenon from the sky!

"As expected of a first-grade Nascent Soul cultivator."

Fu Changsheng was somewhat envious.

Princess Runyu was bathed in the seven-colored glow and the blessings of heaven and earth. The purple jade nascent soul had grown to about a foot tall, its whole body glowing with purple light and full of Daoist charm. It was connected to her own aura and became one with her.

The first-grade celestial infant has been completely stabilized!

She slowly opened her eyes, the purple light within them subdued.

She extended her slender finger and gently touched the Heavenly Blessing that was still slowly descending in the air, then gestured towards Kui Mulong.

"go."

With her clear, cold voice, about one-third of the heavenly blessings descended—the pure primordial energy of heaven and earth seemed to be guided, flowing out and transforming into a seven-colored river of light, pouring into Kui Mulong's enormous body!

"Roar……"

Kui Mulong let out a low, grateful murmur, accepting the generous gift from the newly promoted Nascent Soul True Monarch without any resistance.

The seven-colored river of light entered the body.

Kui Mulong's wounds began to heal at a visible speed. The charred scales fell off, and new, tougher scales with a bluish-gray metallic sheen grew.

More importantly.

Its soul and this fifth-tier Kui Wood Dragon body finally reached a perfect state of harmonious integration! In fact, because of this blessing from heaven and earth, its foundation is more solid than that of an ordinary fifth-tier Kui Wood Dragon, and its future potential is even greater!

Kui Mulong raised his head and let out a joyful and powerful dragon roar that reverberated throughout the surrounding area.

...

...

Princess Runyu retrieved the Nine Phoenix Nirvana Mirror, her body radiating light. The foot-tall purple jade nascent soul transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into her dantian, leaving only a small, faint purple lotus mark between her brows, adding a touch of mystery and majesty to her stunning beauty.

"Angel Fu Xun".

"If it weren't for you... I, the princess, would probably be dead by now, my soul scattered, and my grandmother's reputation would be ruined. I will never forget your life-saving grace. This grace is like giving me a second life. I owe you my life."

Princess Runyu bowed respectfully.

Fu Changsheng quickly stepped aside, cupped his hands, and said:
"Your Highness is too kind. As the local imperial patrol officer, it is my duty to protect the peace of this region. Moreover, since True Lord Yunmeng is acting tyrannically and intends to commit wicked acts, it is only my responsibility to take action."

Princess Runyu straightened up, her beautiful eyes fixed on Fu Changsheng, and slowly said:
"It's just my duty? Envoy Fu is too modest. With a Golden Core body, I fought against a Nascent Soul True Monarch, and with the help of a fifth-tier spirit pet, Kui Mulong, I possess a fifth-tier top-grade spiritual treasure, and even... the unpredictable Nine-Leaf Sword Fungus inheritance and the 'Forbidden Yuan Spirit Box'... Such strength, foundation, and methods are far beyond what an ordinary 'Golden Core' or 'Fifth-Rank Envoy' can describe."

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry and sincerity:

"Although I am new to the Nascent Soul stage and my vision is not yet broad, I can still see that your true combat strength, Fu Xun, is comparable to that of an early Nascent Soul cultivator, or even... surpasses it. It is a great waste of your talent to have such a person confined to a corner of Wuzhou as a fifth-rank patrol envoy."

She took a step forward:
"My grandmother, the Eldest Princess, is eager to find talented people and loves to promote outstanding individuals. Given the potential and strength that Inspector Fu has demonstrated today, if he can gain my grandmother's favor, be promoted, and receive more resources and protection, his future will be limitless. I am willing to personally introduce you to her, what do you say?"

Faced with this sudden olive branch and straightforward recruitment, Fu Changsheng remained calm.

The struggle between the eldest princess's lineage and the crown prince was an open secret among the imperial court's upper echelons. Such infighting often had far-reaching consequences, resulting in death or serious injury. Bearing heavy responsibilities for his family, he sought steady development and gradual progress, rather than being drawn into the center of such a vortex and becoming a pawn or cannon fodder in others' power struggles.

"Thank you for your kindness, Princess."

Fu Changsheng remained expressionless and politely declined with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect.

"I am deeply humbled by the imperial grace to be appointed as the Imperial Inspector. I only wish to do my duty faithfully, protect the peace of this region, and serve the court. Her Highness the Princess is awe-inspiring, and I, a humble official, dare not presume to hope for such a position. Moreover, I am not very talented and have a lazy nature, and I am afraid that I will not be able to adapt to the turbulent times in the capital and will fail the expectations of the Princess and the Princess."

A hint of surprise flashed in Princess Runyu's eyes, but it quickly turned into understanding and a touch of appreciation.

She could tell that Fu Changsheng wasn't just making excuses; he genuinely didn't want to get too involved. This clarity and caution in the face of immense temptation and a higher platform, in her view, made him seem more composed and reliable than those who were eager for quick success.

"Everyone has their own ambitions, and I, the princess, will not force you."

She no longer mentioned the matter of introduction, but instead flipped her hand, and a storage bag with an ancient shape, but with charred marks and a slightly dim spiritual light appeared in her palm. It was the possession of Yunmeng Zhenjun Ji Yunmeng.

"Although this person ultimately perished under the heavenly tribulation, if it weren't for Inspector Fu's previous efforts to stop him and set up a trap for the enemy, he would have already escaped, and I, the princess, would have had no chance to summon lightning to destroy the enemy. In a sense, this person can be considered to have been killed by Inspector Fu. His belongings should rightfully belong to you."

She handed the storage bag to Fu Changsheng.

The lifelong collection of a third-rank imperial patrol officer and a Nascent Soul True Lord is of immeasurable value.

Fu Changsheng didn't stand on ceremony and took the storage bag. It felt heavy in his hand. He scanned it with his divine sense and knew that there were many treasures inside, especially the image-recording immortal bean, which he had to get rid of as soon as possible.

He accepted it readily: "Thank you, Princess."

Seeing that he accepted it so readily, Princess Runyu's lips curled slightly, and she said again:

"Furthermore, today Inspector Fu helped me through this great tribulation, and I am deeply indebted to him. If Inspector Fu were to attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul realm and need to undergo a tribulation in the future, he may send a message to me. I will certainly ask my grandmother to lend you this 'Nine Phoenix Nirvana Mirror' temporarily so that you can safely overcome the tribulation and successfully condense your Nascent Soul."

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng's heart trembled violently!
He had personally witnessed the power of the Nine Phoenix Nirvana Mirror; it could even easily resolve, transform, and absorb the ninefold tribulation of a first-grade Nascent Soul cultivator. Its wondrous power far surpassed ordinary tribulation-crossing treasures! If he could have this treasure's assistance, his success rate in crossing the Nascent Soul tribulation would greatly increase, and the risks would be drastically reduced! This promise was far more real and precious than any elixir, magic weapon, or spirit stone! Because he had already reached the peak of the Golden Core stage, and the Nascent Soul tribulation was imminent!
This is the real, tangible benefit!
Fu Changsheng took a deep breath, and this time bowed deeply and respectfully:
"I am deeply grateful for the Princess's generous gift! I will remember this kindness and will do my utmost to fulfill any requests in the future, as long as they do not violate morality or the laws of the court!"

Princess Runyu nodded slightly, satisfied with Fu Changsheng's reaction.

The way to manage subordinates is to combine kindness and severity. Saving someone's life is kindness, promising a precious treasure is kindness, and this kindness will become an invisible bond.

“This matter is settled. I must depart immediately and return to the capital.” A cold glint flashed in Princess Runyu’s eyes. “The Crown Prince’s grandson… dared to send Yunmeng Zhenjun to carry out this deadly act. I must settle this score with him properly.”

Upon hearing this, Fu Changsheng's heart stirred. After carefully considering his words, he spoke:

"Your Highness's return to the capital will undoubtedly be a thunderous event. However... I dare to suggest that, regarding today's events, many details, especially my and Kui Mulong's intervention to stop True Monarch Yunmeng, and the subsequent... the process of triggering the Heavenly Tribulation to destroy the enemy, could Your Highness... perhaps embellish them slightly and not mention me too much? I am but a humble person, and I only wish to live peacefully in this remote place, fulfilling my duties to the court. I truly do not wish to be involved in too many troubles. My assistance to Your Highness this time is out of duty and my own conscience, not for the sake of fame or advancement."

He phrased it tactfully, but his meaning was clear:

You experts are fighting, don't drag me, a nobody, into it and make me a target.

Princess Runyu glanced at him, then suddenly chuckled softly. Her smile was like the first melting of snow, carrying a hint of understanding and amusement.
"Inspector Fu is indeed... extremely cautious. With such strength, he chooses to remain hidden, prioritizing his own safety. Very well, this princess is not ungrateful. Today's events will only be reported to the outside world as Yunmeng Zhenjun's inspection of Wuzhou, where he attempted to forcibly enter and disturb this princess's Nascent Soul stage, triggering a backlash from the Heavenly Tribulation, and unfortunately perishing under its lightning. As for Inspector Fu... he was merely fulfilling his duty, maintaining order on the periphery to prevent the riots from affecting the common people. Is that acceptable?"

This statement perfectly absolves Fu Changsheng of responsibility, leaving only a vague impression of him as "dutiful and conscientious," which neither attracts too much attention from the Crown Prince nor makes him appear inactive.

Fu Changsheng cupped his hands again: "Your Highness has considered everything very well. I thank you."

Princess Runyu gave Fu Changsheng a deep look, firmly etching this Wuzhou patrol envoy, whose strength was unfathomable, whose mind was meticulous, and whose actions were low-key, into her heart.

"Until we meet again, Inspector Fu."

Having said that, he destroyed all traces at the scene, then transformed into a dazzling purple ray of light, soaring into the sky and instantly piercing through layers of rock walls and array barriers, disappearing into the horizon, heading straight for the imperial capital.

Fu Changsheng stood there, watching the sunset fade into the distance until it disappeared completely before slowly turning his gaze away.

He weighed the storage bag that belonged to True Monarch Yunmeng in his hand.

"The capital... is about to be swept by the wind," he muttered to himself. "However, it won't reach Wuzhou for now."

"Mu Kui, let's go."

He leaped onto Kui Mulong's broad back. Kui Mulong let out a low roar, soared into the air, and rode the wind and clouds, flying towards Huizhou Prefecture.

...

...

Back in his secluded meditation room in Huizhou Prefecture, Fu Changsheng waved his hand and set up several layers of isolation formations to ensure absolute safety before taking out Yunmeng Zhenjun's storage bag.

The restriction on the bag's opening had long since failed with the passing of its owner.

The first thing that catches the eye is a mountain of spirit stones, mostly high-grade ones, roughly estimated to number in the tens of thousands – a staggering fortune.

In addition, there were numerous bottles and jars containing various high-grade pills, some for healing injuries, some for enhancing cultivation, some for restoring mana, and some for even assisting in breaking through bottlenecks. Clearly, these were prepared by True Monarch Yunmeng for his own cultivation and for his disciples.

His gaze swept over the ordinary treasures and quickly locked onto a few special items.

First, there were several pieces of ore and spiritual materials that emitted different spiritual light and were of extraordinary quality.

One of them, a piece of "Mysterious Dark Frost Crystal" that is azure blue, icy to the touch, and seems to have water flowing inside, and another piece of "Earth Sinking Gold" that is extremely heavy, dark gold, and has natural defensive Dao patterns, are both excellent fifth-grade main materials for refining defensive spiritual treasures!
Especially the latter.

If the materials can be gathered, the Seven-Colored Glazed Beast may be able to forge a high-quality defensive magical artifact, making up for its current weakness of having more attack power than defense.

"Huh, what's this?"

then.

He took out a jade slip that was as warm and smooth as jade and emitted a faint, clear glow.

As one's consciousness sinks in, a detailed guide to Nascent Soul formation slowly unfolds.

It not only records Yunmeng Zhenjun's preparations, difficulties, coping with inner demons, and detailed process and insights into condensing a ninth-grade Nascent Soul when he attempted to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, but also includes some snippets and speculations he collected about higher-quality Nascent Souls.

For Fu Changsheng, who was about to face this hurdle, this was like sending charcoal in snowy weather, and its value was immeasurable.

"This saves me a lot of trouble." Fu Changsheng nodded slightly and carefully put the jade slip away.

Then, his attention was drawn to a fist-sized crystal in the corner, shimmering with iridescent light and so rich in spiritual energy that it was almost solidified into droplets.

"A top-grade spirit stone!" A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Changsheng's eyes.

This item is a rare treasure even for a Nascent Soul True Monarch, usually used to break through key bottlenecks, activate high-level formations, or replenish supplies lost in extreme situations. Unexpectedly, True Monarch Yunmeng possessed one. He carefully put away this top-grade spirit stone; it was a life-saving treasure in a critical moment.

At last.

His divine sense landed on the deepest part of the storage bag, on an ebony box sealed with layers of restrictive talismans. These restrictions were quite ancient and complex, and even though the owner was dead, the residual power was not to be underestimated, indicating that the items inside were extraordinary.

Fu Changsheng spent some time breaking through these restrictions one by one.

"Click."

The lid popped open gently.

There was no dazzling light, only an aura of vicissitudes and antiquity permeating the air.

Inside the box lay a roll of ancient map made from the tanned hide of an unknown animal. The edges were worn, but the lines and markings were still clear. The hide was cool to the touch and exceptionally tough, clearly no ordinary object.

Fu Changsheng slowly unfolded the map.

The first thing that catches the eye is the three large ancient seal characters at the top of the map – Xuanling Realm.

His heart skipped a beat!
The Mystic Realm! Just as I expected!

He suppressed his excitement and examined it closely. It was a simplified map of a portion of the Xuanling Realm, not very detailed; many areas were merely outlines, clearly indicating that the mapmaker's knowledge was limited. However, next to an area marked "Tomb of Ten Thousand Swords" in the northeastern part of the map's center, it was marked in striking gold and red lettering:

[The source of Geng metal (suspected)]

Next to it is a smaller note: "A naturally formed metal-elemental spiritual object, its sharpness is concealed, guarded by ten thousand swords. Only those with great fortune, great perseverance, and mastery of the sword path can approach it. According to the ancient scroll fragments, it is speculated that every three thousand six hundred years, the evil aura of the sword tomb will slightly subside, and there may be a sliver of opportunity to obtain it."

"The source of Geng metal... an innate metal-elemental spiritual object!" Fu Changsheng's eyes shone brightly!

The mysterious Five Elements space within his body trembled slightly, as if sensing the aura of something of the same origin. The ever-closed, majestic palace phantom also seemed to ripple with an almost imperceptible ripple.

The opening of the Five Elements Palace requires the collection of five innate spiritual objects of different attributes: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. He has now fortunately obtained two. This "Source of Geng Metal" is precisely the third—a metal-attribute innate spiritual object—that he desperately needs!
"It came so easily..." Fu Changsheng muttered to himself, his fingertips lightly brushing over the three characters "Ten Thousand Swords Tomb" on the map. That place sounded like no safe haven, but in order to open the Five Elements Palace and explore its mysteries, he had to venture out no matter how dangerous it was.

He carefully put away the precious map, his heart filled with emotion.

Based on the spatial patterns between the Xuanling Realm and the Tiannan Continent, and his calculations based on information pieced together from various sources, the time until the next relatively stable "realm passage" between the two realms, which can be safely passed by cultivators at the Golden Core stage and above, is less than thirty years away!

Thirty years is a short half-life for an ordinary person, but not a long time for a Golden Core cultivator. He must make thorough preparations during this period.

This trip to the Mystic Realm has a clear objective:

First and foremost, we must go to the "Tomb of Ten Thousand Swords" to find and seize the "Source of Geng Metal" and gather the third innate spiritual object!
Secondly, they searched for their father's whereabouts.

Third, and more profoundly, is the search for a way out in case of a potential future catastrophe.

If a great calamity were to befall us, the Southern Continent would likely be no paradise.

As a broader and higher realm, the Xuanling Realm might offer opportunities for "smuggling" or long-term stays. He needs to investigate beforehand to understand the distribution of power, rules, and taboos within the Xuanling Realm, and even whether there is a relatively safe place to stay, so as to preserve a glimmer of hope for the Fu family and for himself.

"Thirty years..." Fu Changsheng closed his eyes, quickly calculating in his mind.

One must quickly advance their cultivation to the level of a False Infant, or even attempt to touch the threshold of the Nascent Soul stage, in order to have the power to protect oneself in the Xuanling Realm.

at the same time.

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

"Your family has gained two Golden Core cultivators and has been granted two special lottery draws. Would you like to redeem them?"

It's been a long time since I redeemed a prize.

He was somewhat itching to try it out, but before that, he planned to exchange for information first. After years of seclusion, he needed to see what was happening in the outside world.

His thoughts landed on the panel in his mind's eye. He immediately said:
"Exchange Information"

In an instant, golden light flowed through his sea of ​​consciousness, and lines of text appeared—

Okay, here are the thirty pieces of intelligence to be redeemed based on the format and requirements you provided:
[Exchange Information]

In an instant, golden light flowed through his sea of ​​consciousness, and lines of text appeared—

[1: Deep within the soon-to-be-opened "Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm" in Jinzhou, there exists a nearly matured [Nine-Aperture Heavenly Dragon Grass]. This grass contains a trace of creative vitality and spatial Dao rhythm left behind when a true dragon sheds its skin. If consumed and refined by someone with spatial talent or a connection to the bloodline of a true dragon, there is a very high probability that they will awaken a dragon bloodline spatial divine ability, or experience a qualitative leap in their existing spatial talent.]

"Such a good thing exists?!"

Fu Changsheng's eyes lit up.

If I remember correctly.

Tianlong Mountain will be opened in the next few years.

If Kui Mulong successfully obtains this item, he will be even more powerful, and when he goes to the South China Sea, he will have the ability to protect himself.

[2: At the very bottom of the "Netherworld Secret Realm," jointly opened by the Ten Thousand Ghosts Gate and the Ten Thousand Spirits Gate, lies a forgotten "Hall of Rebirth." Your son, Fu Yongzhao, who disappeared many years ago, is trapped within a [Soul-Guiding Lamp] in the hall due to a special encounter. He exists in a unique form, and only close relatives with specific barrier-breaking artifacts can sense him and attempt to guide him back.]

"How did Yongzhao enter the Netherworld Secret Realm?"

The child disappeared without a trace after entering the Crimson Forbidden Land.

did not expect.

They were trapped in the Hall of Rebirth.

"Fortunately, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect is now one of our own!"

No matter how.

It seems I'll have to go to this Netherworld Secret Realm again, and I'll bring Qiu Chan with me then.

[3: The "Reincarnation Creation Pool," secretly built by the clan, is missing the final piece of jade in its core array—the Jade Fragrance Stone—which harmonizes Yin and Yang and stabilizes the power of reincarnation. This stone is known to appear as a trade item at the private auction of "Old Mother Xuanji" when "Xuan Turtle Island" in the South China Sea opens next time.]

[4: In three days, the black market of "Wind Howling City" in the South China Sea will secretly auction a "Sword Nourishing Stone" from an ancient battlefield, tainted with the remnants of a sword immortal. It has miraculous effects on nurturing sword embryos and enhancing the spirituality of flying swords, especially suitable for swords inherited from the "Nine-Leaf Sword Mushroom".]

Both reports were about the South China Sea.

However, Uncle Yu recently sent a message saying that it would take several years to repair the teleportation array leading to the South China Sea.

but.

Decades have passed.

Waiting a few more years is fine.

By the time.

Then he will be able to see Hongyu!
[5: Deep within the "Savage Beast Mountain Range" of the Eastern Wilderness, a fifth-tier "Mountain-Moving Ape" is nearing the end of its lifespan. Hidden in its lair is a gourd of "Essence of Earth," collected over many years. This is a top-grade spiritual object used for refining earth-type spiritual treasures and cultivating earth-type divine abilities.]

Fifth-tier demonic beast?
Fu Changsheng's eyes lit up.

Such an opportunity should not be missed.

He had never heard of the Savage Beast Mountain Range before, so he needed to have the Dark Hall keep an eye on it.

[6: At the once-in-a-century "Treasure Exchange Conference" held by the "Tianji Pavilion" in the imperial capital, a tattered [Star Map] will appear, marking the coordinates of several locations that appear to be ancient star palace ruins in the South China Sea. The protective formation of one of these ruins is extremely similar to an ancient formation recorded in the "Dayan Jue".]

[7: In the "Kurong Cave" behind the "Golden Buddha Temple" in the far west, where the thirty-ninth abbot passed away, there is a hidden compartment in the wall containing a "Prajna Secret Pattern" written with relic powder and gold lacquer of vow power. Comprehending it can greatly enhance the soul's defense and has a miraculous effect on resisting Nascent Soul inner demons and soul attacks.]

"An item to ward off Nascent Soul demons?!"

Fu Changsheng's breathing became rapid.

Condensing the nascent soul involves overcoming the inner demon tribulation, which is a major hurdle. Without preparation, one is likely to perish and lose one's cultivation.

"This far west..."

In front lies the Wanling Gate, behind lies the Qiuyue Nunnery.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, he does not want to easily set foot there given his current cultivation level.

He made a note of it.

[8: The jade pendant that the eldest princess lost in the "Mystic Realm" was not destroyed. Instead, it was eroded by the spiritual energy of an underground river, giving birth to a faint "spirit embryo." It is currently located deep in the riverbed of a tributary of the "Black Water Abyss" in the Mystic Realm.]

[9: Beneath the Fu family ancestral land "Sirius Mountain," besides the known secret vault of the Sirius tribe, at the deeper intersection of the earth's veins, lies a faint but pure [Ancient Sirius Ancestral Soul]. Only those possessing the bloodline of the Sirius King and whose cultivation has reached the Nascent Soul stage can sense it and attempt to communicate with it, thus obtaining some of the Sirius clan's inherited memories.]

"Such a treasure is hidden in Tianlang Mountain!"

There are still a few special boxes that haven't been opened on the back mountain.

The intelligence mentions the [Ancient Sirius Ancestral Soul].

Only those who have fused with the Heart of Sirius are qualified to activate it.

[10: The Valley Master of the "Valley of Ten Thousand Flowers" in the Eastern Wilderness has secretly kept a mutated "Nine-Heart Begonia." Every three hundred years, its flower heart secretes a drop of "Nine-Aperture Exquisite Dew," which is the main ingredient of the top-grade spiritual medicine "Dust-Cleansing Pill," used to refine Nascent Soul auxiliary spiritual objects and purify magical power. The next drop will mature in sixty years.]

The Valley of Myriad Flowers is a place guarded by Nascent Soul cultivators.

Also.

He killed the Vermilion Bird Chieftain, the lover of the Hundred Flowers True Lord.

Even if the Valley of Ten Thousand Flowers had the Nine-Heart Begonia, he wouldn't dare to set foot there easily.

"I wonder if the woman from the Valley of a Thousand Flowers, whom we took in decades ago, has any intention of returning to the valley?"

[11: The rogue cultivator "Azure Wave Fairy" from the South China Sea possesses a fragmented ancient elixir recipe called "Five Elements Nirvana Pill." It can harmonize the five elements, stabilize the foundation of the golden core, and has a remarkable effect on resolving the instability of magical power caused by rapid breakthroughs or external infusion. The main ingredients required for the recipe are highly compatible with the five elemental spiritual materials you have already collected.]

[12: At the bottom of the sacred fire altar of the "Crimson Fire Lizard" tribe in the Eastern Wilderness, there is a sealed [Earth Core Fire Essence], which is the condensed essence of earth vein fire evil. It is a treasure for improving the quality of fire-type spiritual roots and cultivating high-level fire-type divine abilities.]

[13: In the secret vault of the Imperial Capital's "Heavenly Crafts Institute," there is a piece of [Star Iron] from a meteorite. This iron possesses a weak stellar gravitational pull and magic-breaking properties, making it a top-grade material for crafting flying or formation-breaking magical artifacts. However, obtaining it requires extremely high merit or special privileges.]

[14: The earth vein affinity phenomenon triggered by Fu Yongyi's breakthrough at the "Jade Purity Pool" has been sensed and marked by a sleeping [Earth Vein Stone Spirit] deep underground. If Fu Yongyi's cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul stage and he is located at a specific earth vein node, there is a certain chance that he will gain the Stone Spirit's recognition and gifts.]

"Stone Spirit?"

This was the first time he had ever heard of such spirits of heaven and earth.

Yongyi is a gifted child, and with the special seed of magic he received, there is a great chance that he will condense a nascent soul.

That might be a great opportunity for them.

[15: In the "Misty Swamp" of the South China Sea, there is a [Phantom Mist Demon Lotus] that is over a hundred years away from taking human form. Its lotus root is an excellent medium for refining a second Nascent Soul. However, the Demon Lotus is shrouded in a natural illusion array that can confuse Nascent Soul cultivators all year round, and it is guarded by a fifth-tier "Mist-Hidden Crocodile".]

"How come so much intelligence about the South China Sea has suddenly surfaced?"

His original nascent soul had not yet been formed, let alone a second nascent soul.

My gaze continued downwards.

[16: Your father once casually rescued a descendant of a "Treasure-Seeking Rat" in a secret realm somewhere in the "Mystic Spirit Realm." This rat has now grown to the fourth rank and has accidentally consumed a "Spirit-Communicating Fruit," awakening a faint ancient "Treasure-Seeking Sky Rat" bloodline.]

Father!!
Fu Changsheng was thrilled.

Many years later.

Finally, information about the father appeared.

[17: On the edge of the "Ancient Demon Battlefield" in the Western Regions, beneath a ruin buried by sandstorm, lies a broken [Vajra Pestle]. Sealed within the pestle is a wisp of pure Buddhist "Golden Light of Exorcism," which is remarkably effective in suppressing demonic arts and purifying demonic energy. However, removing it may trigger lingering demonic thoughts from the battlefield.]

[18: The lord of "Quicksand City" in the far west is actually a descendant of a distant branch of the "Sky Wolf Tribe." His family's secret technique, "Wind and Sand Body Forging Technique," contains fragments of the Sky Wolf Body Refining Secrets. If these fragments can be completed, they will greatly benefit the Fu family's body refining heritage.]

[19: Every five hundred years, the "Ancient Tree of Life" in your fiefdom, Huixi County's Shuiyun Cave, will shed a [Primal Leaf], containing immense life essence. It is a sacred item for refining longevity elixirs or healing primordial injuries. The next leaf will shed in twenty-three years.]

[20: When the "Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm" in Jinzhou opens, the rules of the secret realm will be temporarily weakened. At that time, a brief "spatial ripple" will appear in the sky above the secret realm. If you possess spatial treasures or supernatural abilities, you can try to capture a trace of [Void Crystal Dust], which is a rare material for strengthening spatial magic treasures and stabilizing small worlds.]

[21: In the "Netherworld Secret Realm" that the Gate of Ten Thousand Ghosts is about to open, there is a tributary of the "Yellow Springs River". The riverbed contains a large amount of [Yin Soul Jade], which is an excellent material for refining Yin-attribute magic weapons and nourishing ghost-path spirits. However, the river is inhabited by countless Yin souls and water ghosts, so Yang-attribute treasures are needed for protection.]

[22: The Dragon Blood Bodhi and Dragon Spirit Origin sealed within Fu Yongyun's body can be greatly accelerated and have their refining speed reduced if supplemented with a fifth-tier pill called the [Blood Refining Fusion Pill]. One of the main ingredients of this pill, "Blood Jade Coral," is produced in the extremely deep waters of the South China Sea and is jointly occupied by fifth-tier sea monsters.]

[23: Deep within the "Poisonous Swamp" on the southwestern border of the Tiannan Continent grows a [Ten Thousand Poisons Vermilion Fruit Tree]. It bears fruit once every three hundred years. The fruit contains potent poison and is also an auxiliary spiritual object for poison cultivators to form their Nascent Soul.]

[24: The Cangnan Prefecture fiefdom contains a small [Gengjin] ore vein. The ore quality is excellent, suitable for large-scale mining for family weapon crafting or trading.]

[25: The Cheng family of Jinzhou's "Tianyin Pavilion" houses an ancient zither called "Jiaowei." The body of the zither is made of wood struck by lightning ten thousand years ago, and the strings are infused with dragon sinew. Playing certain pieces on this zither over a long period of time can subtly temper one's consciousness and enhance one's resistance to musical supernatural powers (including certain soul attacks).]

[26: In the inner layer of the Yunshan County Secret Realm, where an ancient array master once secluded himself for cultivation, a small cluster of [Array Source Essence] naturally emerged. This item can greatly enhance an array master's understanding and control of arrays, or be used to repair and strengthen high-level arrays.]

[27: On "Xuan Turtle Island" in the South China Sea, besides the Nine-Aperture Spirit Ginseng, "Old Mother Xuanji" also secretly cultivates a [Moonlight Narcissus] in her medicine garden. This flower only blooms on the night of the full moon, and its dew can cleanse a cultivator's eyes, with a certain chance of awakening a "Spiritual Eye" type of supernatural power or enhancing the power of existing Spiritual Eyes.]

[28: The Wu family's treasured artifact, the "Eye of the Desert," is actually a rare earth-elemental divination artifact. It can be used once every sixty years and can clearly deduce opportunities or crises within a certain range.]

[29: At the summit of Thunder Eagle Cliff in the Eastern Wilderness, constantly bathed in heavenly lightning, several [Thunderous Stones] have condensed within the cliff face. These stones contain pure and violent lightning power, making them top-tier materials for refining lightning-type magical artifacts and cultivating lightning-type divine abilities. However, obtaining them requires withstanding the residual power of heavenly lightning at the cliff top and the attacks of a flock of thunder eagles.]

[30: After Fu Changli's Azure Phoenix successfully merged with the Vermilion Bird's essence and was reborn from the ashes, some of its shed old feathers and the ashes of its rebirth contained a faint seed of [Nirvana True Fire]. If collected in a special container and carefully nourished with fire-type spiritual power, there is a very small chance of cultivating a new spiritual fire, which can be used for refining weapons or alchemy.]

...

...

East Palace.

Crown Prince sat upright on a large rosewood chair, his fingers holding a fragment of a soul jade that had just shattered, representing the complete dissipation of Yunmeng Zhenji's life imprint.

"He has fallen..." He repeated these three words in a low voice, his tone devoid of emotion, yet it caused his trusted subordinate Xu Huang, who was bowing and reporting below, to break out in a fine layer of cold sweat. "In Wuzhou... that remote place where even Nascent Soul cultivators are too lazy to condescend to stay, a dignified third-rank patrol envoy, a Nascent Soul True Lord, just like that... died without any explanation?"

He suddenly laughed, a short, cold laugh filled with heavy sarcasm:
"Ji Yunmeng, Ji Yunmeng, I thought that although you were greedy and despicable, you were at least somewhat useful, a dog that could bite. I never expected you to be such a... coward!"

The last three words were almost squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying undisguised contempt and disgust.

"Your Highness, please calm down." Xu Huang bowed even lower. "According to the last message from our spies in Wuzhou, Yunmeng Zhenjun did indeed break into the forbidden area of ​​Princess Runyu's mansion shortly after... his life tablet shattered. Subsequently, an astonishing amount of spiritual energy gathered in the mansion, and the celestial phenomena changed, seemingly... a Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation descended. Shortly afterward, Princess Runyu's aura... entered the Nascent Soul realm."

The Crown Prince's fingers suddenly tightened, and the fragments of the Soul Jade turned into dust, falling through his fingers.

"In other words, Ji Yunmeng, that good-for-nothing, not only failed to stop Runyu, but... she may have become a stepping stone for her tribulation, or at least, a 'hero' who helped her successfully overcome the tribulation and condense her nascent soul?"

The Crown Prince's voice grew increasingly cold, his eyes flashing with a chilling light:
"Useless! Utterly useless! I offered him great rewards and even went so far as to visit him personally, and this is how he repays me? He can't even handle a woman who is in seclusion and has no defenses, and he even got himself involved! It's an utter disgrace!"

He felt a strong sense of frustration.

With meticulous planning and the use of valuable resources and connections, what was thought to be a brilliant move that would deliver a fatal blow ended up resulting in heavy losses for the enemy, who instead broke through and greatly increased their strength!

This is not just a simple loss of a Nascent Soul cultivator; it is a heavy blow to his Crown Prince's strategy and authority!
"Your Highness, there is still no definitive information on how True Lord Yunmeng perished. The Princess's residence is under tight security, making it difficult to ascertain the specific circumstances of that day," Xu Huang cautiously added. "Your Highness, what do you think? Should we send someone to thoroughly investigate the cause of True Lord Yunmeng's death?"

"Thoroughly investigate the cause of death?"

The Crown Prince snorted coldly and waved his hand irritably:
"Does it even matter now? Was he killed by that girl Runyu's last-minute breakthrough and counterattack, or was he ambushed by some hidden master, or did he trigger some taboo and perish together? The process is no longer important! What matters is that he died, Runyu lived, and even became a Nascent Soul cultivator!"

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the armrest:

"The problem now is that Ji Yunmeng is, on the surface, one of my factions, even though she holds the title of Imperial Inspector. He died in Wuzhou, at Princess Runyu's residence... How could that girl Runyu let this opportunity pass?"

Xu Huang immediately chimed in, revealing the Crown Prince's greatest hidden worry:

"Your Highness, please understand. Princess Runyu has just advanced to the Nascent Soul stage and is at the height of her power. True Monarch Yunmeng has trespassed into the Princess's secluded cultivation area without permission, with malicious intent. Regardless of the reason, this matter has violated the law and offended the dignity of the royal family. Princess Runyu only needs to exaggerate this matter slightly, insisting that True Monarch Yunmeng was instructed by 'certain people' to assassinate the royal family and disrupt the Nascent Soul stage, and that his intentions are despicable... and then, with the help of Her Highness the Eldest Princess, launch an attack in the court... I'm afraid..."

This could be used as an opportunity to severely damage the reputation of the Crown Prince's faction, and even implicate the Crown Prince himself! Even without concrete evidence, the suspicion of "instructing a Nascent Soul True Monarch to assassinate a royal princess" is enough to make the Crown Prince look bad and put the Eastern Palace in a passive position!
"Hmph! Of course she can!"

A fierce glint flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes:
"My cousin may seem aloof, but she is actually arrogant and vindictive. After suffering such a great loss this time, almost losing her life, she will not let this go now that she has successfully broken through to the next realm. She will definitely use the death of True Monarch Yunmeng to make a big fuss and bite back!"

He stood up and paced around the warm pavilion, his mind racing with calculations.

"Yunmeng Zhenjun's move has completely backfired, and he's even splattered us with mud." He stopped and looked at Xu Huang. "Elder Xu, get to work on a few things immediately."

"First, completely sever all overt connections with Yunmeng Zhenjun from his lifetime, and eliminate all traces that might point to the Eastern Palace. You know what to do with his disciples, confidants, and subordinates. Be thorough and clean, leaving no room for doubt."

Xu Huang's heart skipped a beat, and he bowed his head in response, "This old servant understands."

“Second,” the Crown Prince continued, “send people to ‘Yunmengze’ under the guise of offering condolences and assisting with the aftermath, but in reality, thoroughly search Ji Yunmeng’s cave. He has served me for many years, and he may have kept some things he shouldn’t have, especially… things related to this trip to Wuzhou.” He paused. “If anything is found, destroy it immediately. If nothing is found… make sure there are no more traces of ‘Yunmeng Zhenjun’ there.”

"Yes."

“Third,” the Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed slightly, “activate our people in the Censorate and the Imperial Clan Court to prepare in advance. Once Princess Runyu makes a move, we must counterattack immediately. The core point is this: insist that True Monarch Yunmeng received a clue about the demonic path and went to Wuzhou to investigate. The conflict arose because of the strange formations at Princess Runyu’s residence and her resistance to the investigation. As for the reason for his demise… we can say that he encountered an accident while investigating demonic traces, or that Princess Runyu’s Nascent Soul process triggered unknown dangers. In short, we must muddy the waters, downplay the ‘unauthorized entry into the residence,’ solidify the ‘investigation of demonic traces,’ and obscure the ‘reason for his demise.’ If necessary… we can imply that Princess Runyu was eager to break through and may have used some ‘extraordinary means,’ which led to the disaster.”

A hint of admiration flashed in Xu Huang's eyes. His Highness reacted quickly. Although this response was a passive defense, it was still quite comprehensive and could at least minimize the direct impact that the Crown Prince's Palace might suffer.

"Your Highness is wise. This old servant will take care of it immediately."

"Furthermore," the Crown Prince interrupted him, his tone chilling, "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly for me! What exactly happened in Wuzhou! I absolutely refuse to believe that Ji Yunmeng would be so inexplicably defeated by that girl Runyu! There must be some unknown variables there!"

"Yes, Your Highness."

(End of this chapter)