Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 664 The Struggle for the Crown Prince, The Seven Killers of Tiandu, Seizing the Opportunity
Inside the study of Wu Cheng'an, the newly appointed head of the Wu family mansion.

Before dawn, the study was already brightly lit. Wu Cheng'an, dressed in a dark purple brocade robe, solemnly signed several transfer orders. His trusted steward, Wu Qi, stood by with his hands at his sides, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes as he watched his patriarch's serious demeanor.

"Patriarch, what's going on today..." Wu Qi finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Early this morning, you ordered the preparation of a 'Welcoming the Wind Banquet' of the highest standard, and even ordered the best 'Qingyun Pavilion' in the East Courtyard to be emptied out, and even the treasured 'Millennial Blood Ginseng Wine' was taken out... With such a high standard, could it be..."

Wu Cheng'an put down the jade pen in his hand, looked up at the gradually brightening sky outside the window, and a rare smile appeared on his lips, a smile filled with barely suppressed anticipation and excitement:

"Today, the one who has returned is the true pillar of the Wu family, the hope for the future—Wu Poyun!"

"Young Master Poyun?!" Wu Qi's eyes widened in astonishment. "He...he's been serving in the capital all this time, and he hasn't even returned for the family's once-a-decade grand ceremony. How could he suddenly..."

“Times have changed.” Wu Cheng’an stood up, walked to the window, and stood with his hands behind his back. “You know that the Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm was opened ahead of schedule.”

Wu Qi nodded: "This subordinate understands. This matter concerns the grand plan of the Eastern Palace. Her Majesty has strictly ordered that we must seize that treasure."

“Exactly.” Wu Cheng’an turned around, his eyes gleaming. “For the treasures of Tianlong Mountain, ordinary Golden Core cultivators might have a better chance of winning. But if Po Yun were to personally take the plunge… then it would be a sure thing!”

His tone was full of pride: "Po Yun is now ranked fifteenth on the 'Sky Survey Ranking' of the Sky Surveying Angels Headquarters! Do you know what that means?"

Wu Qi gasped.

Although he didn't know the specific rankings of the patrol angels, he knew that the "Patrol Ranking" included the top experts among all patrol angels in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty. Those who could rank in the top 100 were the best among the Golden Core stage, and the top 15... they had almost touched the threshold of the Nascent Soul stage and were true geniuses!
"Moreover," Wu Cheng'an continued, his tone becoming increasingly impassioned, "Po Yun has held this position for decades. According to convention, as long as he can maintain this position for another ten or eight years and accumulate enough merit and experience, it's almost a certainty that he will be promoted to the fourth-rank Imperial Patrol Officer!"

"A fourth-rank Imperial Envoy..." Wu Qi murmured, his eyes filled with shock. A fourth-rank Imperial Envoy—that was a high-ranking official capable of guarding five states and possessing immense autonomy! Moreover, the Imperial Envoy system was independent, with enormous power, far surpassing that of an ordinary fourth-rank official!
"Do you know that Fu Changsheng of the Fu family was once close to Po Yun?" Wu Cheng'an suddenly sneered. "More than ten years ago, Fu Changsheng was also at the height of his career, making a name for himself among the patrol angels. Some people even compared the two of them."

Wu Qi nodded; he had heard about this matter.

"But what about now?"

Wu Cheng'an's tone was laced with undisguised sarcasm:
"Fu Changsheng has been complacent and closed off for years, hiding in the remote place of Wuzhou, achieving nothing. On the other hand, Po Yun has made several great contributions in the capital, earning the appreciation of his superiors. His cultivation, status, and reputation have long surpassed Fu Changsheng's! The gap between the two is now like heaven and earth; Fu Changsheng can't catch up even if he tries!"

He paused, lowering his voice even further, but sounding even more excited:
"Once Po Yun successfully advances to the fourth-rank Imperial Patrol Officer... given his age, potential, and the support of the Crown Prince, his future is limitless! At that time, our Wu family will be truly within reach of becoming a fourth-rank aristocratic family!"

Wu Qi was deeply moved upon hearing this.

A family of fourth-rank officials!

Those were truly powerful and influential families, capable of participating in higher-level resource allocation, possessing a wider sphere of influence, and even capable of influencing the decisions of the state, county, and even the imperial court to a certain extent! That was the goal that the ancestors of the Wu family had dreamed of for generations!
“Therefore,” Wu Cheng’an concluded, “Po Yun is now the most important person in my Wu family besides the Empress! His return is of extraordinary significance.”

Wu Qi fully understood the patriarch's emphasis, but a trace of confusion remained: "But... did Young Master Po Yun return this time solely for the Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm? With his status and strength, even if he didn't return personally, the family could mobilize enough forces..."

“You don’t understand.” Wu Cheng’an shook his head, his expression turning serious. “The item from Tianlong Mountain this time is no small matter. It concerns the birthday gift that the Crown Prince will present to His Majesty, and it cannot be lost! The Empress has given a strict order that it must be done flawlessly!”

He walked to the desk and tapped his fingers on the surface: "There are many variables in the secret realm. Other forces may also send out their hidden trump cards. Relying solely on the family's regular forces may not guarantee victory. But if Po Yun personally leads the team... with his strength, experience, and the means and connections within the Patrol Angel system, the chances of success will be countless times greater! His return this time is not only to personally seize the treasure, but also to demonstrate the strength and determination of our Wu family to the Empress and the Crown Prince!"

Wu Qi suddenly realized and quickly bowed: "Your subordinate understands! I will go and check the arrangements for the welcoming banquet again to make sure that Young Master Po Yun feels the family's attention and enthusiasm!"

"Go." Wu Cheng'an waved his hand. "Remember, everything must be the best. Po Yun's return is not only for Tianlong Mountain, but also a signal that my Wu family is rising again and moving towards a higher level!"

Wu Qi respectfully withdrew, his steps lighter than usual.

Inside the study, Wu Cheng'an stood alone, gazing at the rising sun on the eastern horizon, his eyes filled with ambition.

"Fu Changsheng... Hmph." He muttered to himself, "Your Fu family just got lucky and managed to advance to the fifth rank by sheer luck. When my Wu family produces a fourth-rank Imperial Envoy and advances to the fourth-rank aristocratic family... then, who will be in charge of Jinzhou, and even the wider region?"

He could almost see Wu Poyun wielding the Tianlong Mountain treasure, shining brightly at the Longevity Banquet, and the Wu family seizing this opportunity to soar to new heights.

...

...

Outside the gates of the Wu family mansion, crowds had already gathered and banners were waving.

The newly appointed patriarch, Wu Cheng'an, dressed in formal patriarchal attire, led all the core members of the clan above the late Foundation Establishment stage, along with the elders, in a neat and orderly procession to await his arrival. The procession stretched from the main gate all the way to the patriarch's archway, creating a solemn and dignified scene.

Even Wu Hongluan, the patriarch of the Wu family who was still recovering from serious injuries and should have been in seclusion in the forbidden area, had changed into a slightly formal crimson palace dress. Supported by two maids, she stood at the front of the procession, her face pale but her expression dignified. Her breath was still weak, but her phoenix eyes shone with a light that was a mixture of expectation and complexity.

Wu Poyun was her most prized grandson and the greatest pride of her lineage.

Although the family has temporarily regained control of the clan due to her daughter Wu Yunshang, as long as this promising grandson is around, and given that her daughter is ultimately a blood relative, the Wu family still maintains the highest level of respect for her as their ancestor, and no one dares to be negligent in the slightest.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the sky, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the day.

Finally, when the sun was high in the sky, a dazzling light suddenly appeared on the horizon, moving rapidly from afar!

"They're here!" someone whispered.

A colossal treasure ship, entirely black with a ferocious beast carved on its prow and its hull covered in intricate defensive runes, tore through the clouds and hovered steadily in front of the Wu family's towering clan archway. The ship emanated a powerful spiritual pressure, clearly reaching the upper rank of the fourth grade, making it an exceptionally precious flying magical artifact.

On the deck, a tall figure stood with his hands behind his back, his black garb of a patrol envoy fluttering in the wind. It was Wu Poyun! His face was cold and his eyes were sharp as lightning. Just by standing there calmly, an invisible sense of oppression enveloped everyone below.

Seeing this, Wu Cheng'an quickly took a deep breath, stepped forward, and led all the clansmen behind him in a loud shout:

"Welcome back to Elder Poyun's hometown! Congratulations on your awe-inspiring presence throughout the heavens and the world!"

His voice was loud and clear, resounding through the sky, fully demonstrating the Wu family's high regard and respect for the return of this prodigy.

Wu Poyun merely glanced indifferently at the crowd below, and when he saw his grandmother Wu Hongluan, he nodded slightly. However, he did not leap off the ship as everyone expected to accept the greetings and pleasantries from his clansmen.

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying an unquestionable commanding tone, and it carried throughout the entire mountain gate through the amplification array of the treasure ship:
"Activate the highest level of the mountain protection array, seal off both inside and outside, and prohibit unauthorized personnel from approaching the core area!"

Wu Cheng'an was taken aback, somewhat confused.

Welcoming the return of the prodigy is a joyous occasion, so why the need for such a tense situation, with the highest level of security activated and the mountain gates closed?
He subconsciously looked at Wu Hongluan.

Although a hint of surprise flashed in Elder Wu's eyes, it quickly turned into understanding. He nodded slightly to Wu Cheng'an and transmitted his voice:

"Do as Po Yun says."

Wu Cheng'an did not hesitate and immediately took out the family head token and cast a spell.

In an instant, the Wu family's protective mountain array hummed, and layers of protective light shields lit up, completely enveloping the entire clan territory and temporarily severing its connection with the outside world.

at the same time.

Wu Poyun piloted the treasure ship, but instead of landing in the main square, he flew directly over everyone's heads, transforming into a streak of light and heading straight towards the forbidden area in the back mountain.

Wu Cheng'an and Wu Hongluan exchanged a glance, then immediately led a few trusted elders and flew after them.

The treasure ship sailed directly into the outer perimeter of the forbidden area behind the mountain and stopped on a wide platform. Wu Hongluan had already activated the protective array of the forbidden area beforehand.

After Wu Cheng'an and Wu Hongluan entered the forbidden area, Wu Poyun gracefully descended from the deck of the treasure ship.

Seven other figures followed him down!
The seven people stood side by side, dressed in identical gray outfits. Their height, build, and appearance were exactly the same! Even their expressions and auras were almost identical, like septuplets carved from the same mold! They exuded a powerful aura, clearly all at the Pseudo-Infant Realm! Moreover, their auras were connected, faintly forming a mysterious whole, giving people an extremely dangerous feeling, as if facing a prehistoric beast.

"This……"

When Wu Cheng'an saw these seven people, his heart skipped a beat.

Although he didn't recognize him, he knew from the cold, murderous, and almost tangible killing intent emanating from the other person that he was no ordinary cultivator!
The moment Wu Hongluan saw these seven people, Tong Kong shrank back, and then a rare solemnity and a hint of awe appeared on her face.

Despite her injuries, she stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the seven people:
"I am Wu Hongluan, greetings to all fellow Daoists of the 'Seven Killers of Heavenly Capital'! I apologize for not greeting you properly!"

"The Seven Killers of Tiandu?!" Upon hearing this, Wu Cheng'an's expression changed drastically, and his heart trembled violently!

Although he had never met these seven people, their fearsome reputation was legendary!
This is an extremely mysterious and ferocious group of independent cultivators within the Great Zhou Dynasty. Composed of seven septuplets, their origins are shrouded in mystery, and their parents are unknown. From a young age, the seven have cultivated some ancient combined attack technique, their minds are in perfect harmony, their teamwork is seamless, and their combat power far surpasses the combined strength of their peers!

Decades ago.

These seven people joined forces to kill a True Monarch in the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm in the northern frontier, and became famous in one battle!
Since then, the "Seven Killers of Tiandu" have become a fearsome presence among Golden Core cultivators, and even many Nascent Soul cultivators are unwilling to provoke them easily.

did not expect.

The "Seven Killers of Tiandu," who had disappeared for many years, were actually brought back by Wu Poyun!

Moreover, judging from their current cultivation levels, they have all reached the Nascent Soul stage!

With the seven of them working together, their destructive power is probably much greater than it was back then!
Even Wu Poyun, who was always arrogant and unruly, showed considerable respect to these seven people. He personally led them into a quiet room deep within the forbidden area, a room with the richest spiritual energy and multiple layers of isolation formations, demonstrating his thoughtful and meticulous approach.

"My seven fellow Daoists have had a long journey; please rest here for a while. I have already ordered that everything you need be prepared. We will discuss the specific details before the secret realm opens," Wu Poyun said to the seven.

The seven people simply nodded slightly, said nothing more, and remained indifferent as they entered the quiet room one by one and closed the door.

After arranging for the seven people, Wu Poyun turned around and walked towards Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an, who had been waiting outside. His expression returned to its previous coldness, but deep in his eyes was a confident sense of control over everything.

“Grandmother, Patriarch,” Wu Poyun said calmly, “The matter of ‘Tiandu Seven Kills’ is listed as the family’s top secret, and it must not be disclosed to anyone except those present.”

Wu Cheng'an bowed immediately: "Yes! Elder Poyun, rest assured!"

Looking at her grandson, whose imposing presence and extraordinary abilities were evident, Wu Hongluan felt both gratified and conflicted. She knew that her grandson had long surpassed her own abilities; his methods, strength, and courage were far beyond her reach.

"Po Yun, you've returned this time and once again mobilized the 'Seven Killers of Tiandu.' Is it to ensure the absolute safety of Tianlong Mountain?" Wu Hongluan asked.

A cold glint flashed in Wu Poyun's eyes: "That's right. The treasures of Tianlong Mountain are related to the grand plan of the Eastern Palace, and even more so to the future of my Wu family. We cannot afford to make any mistakes. With the assistance of the 'Seven Killers of Tiandu' and my personal presence, no matter what kind of demons and monsters they are, they will not be able to lay a finger on it!"

He paused, then looked at Wu Cheng'an: "Patriarch, with the secret realm about to open, how are the elite disciples selected by the family preparing?"

Wu Cheng'an hurriedly reported: "As you instructed, we have secretly selected thirty disciples from the clan who are at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage, have outstanding combat power, and are loyal and reliable. They are currently undergoing intensive training. The assassins and treasures allocated by the Crown Prince have also secretly arrived and are stored in the secret vault."

"Very good." Wu Poyun nodded. "Tell them that this trip to the secret realm is a do-or-die situation. Those who make great contributions will be richly rewarded! Anyone who shows disloyalty or fails to perform their duties... will be executed without mercy!"

The chilling killing intent made Wu Cheng'an's heart skip a beat, and he quickly agreed.

As Wu Hongluan watched her grandson's swift and decisive arrangements, the last trace of resentment she felt from having her power taken away gradually dissipated.

With such outstanding descendants, how could the Wu family not prosper?!

Wu Poyun turned around to face Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an. The coldness on his face softened slightly, but a complex expression, half worry and half hidden joy, gathered between his brows.

“Grandmother, Patriarch, there is one more thing I need to tell you.” He lowered his voice even further, making sure that only the two people in front of him could hear him clearly, “Princess Runyu… has successfully condensed a first-grade Nascent Soul.”

Upon hearing this, both Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an felt a jolt in their hearts.

They had heard a little about it, but didn't know the specific details.

Wu Poyun continued, "After returning to the capital, she immediately accompanied the Princess to meet His Majesty."

He paused, a hint of apprehension and confusion flashing in his eyes: "I don't know what the grandmother and grandson said to His Majesty, but after that, His Highness the Crown Prince... was ordered by His Majesty to be confined to the Eastern Palace to reflect on his mistakes. It is said that... His Majesty's words were quite harsh, and His Highness the Crown Prince... was almost stripped of his position as heir apparent on the spot."

"What?!" Wu Hongluan exclaimed in shock, her breathing becoming somewhat disordered. Wu Cheng'an's face turned deathly pale, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.

The Crown Prince was confined to his quarters and even nearly deposed! This was an earth-shattering event! It meant that His Highness the Crown Prince's position in His Majesty's heart seemed to have been shaken like never before!
After her initial shock, Wu Hongluan's eyes suddenly blazed with astonishing light, her voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement: "If that's the case... then doesn't that mean our Yunshang's second prince has a chance..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning couldn't be clearer—

With the Crown Prince's grandson falling out of favor and being imprisoned, his position as heir apparent is in jeopardy. Does this mean the Second Prince, also a grandson of the Emperor, and whose mother (Consort Wu) is deeply favored by the Crown Prince, now has a chance to compete for the throne?
Wu Cheng'an was also breathing rapidly, his eyes burning with ambition.

If the Second Prince truly ascends the throne, the Wu family, as the maternal relatives, will experience a dramatic change in status! From a powerful family dependent on the Crown Prince, they will leap to become the maternal clan of the future emperor! What glory and power that would bring!
However, Wu Poyun suddenly raised his hand, interrupting his grandmother's reverie.

His expression suddenly turned extremely serious, even carrying a rare hint of fierceness, and his gaze pierced Wu Hongluan like a knife:

"Grandmother! Be careful what you say!"

His voice was cold and stern, carrying an undeniable warning: "How dare you utter such treasonous words?!"

Wu Hongluan was taken aback by her grandson's stern attitude. Wu Poyun took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety and unease, and said, word by word:

"As long as His Highness the Crown Prince has not been formally decreed to be removed from the position of heir apparent by His Majesty, he remains the legal heir apparent and the future master of the Eastern Palace! His Majesty's punishment this time may well be intended as a warning and a test. The struggle for the throne involves the very foundation of the nation and is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. How can we presume to speculate or even harbor any delusions?!"

His gaze swept over Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an, his voice growing even colder:
"Moreover, although His Highness the Crown Prince is currently far away in the Xuanling Realm, all affairs within the Eastern Palace are still being overseen by His Highness the Crown Prince! His authority has not disappeared due to his confinement! The officials, guards, and even some courtiers of the Eastern Palace still obey his orders! If he, or the spies of the Eastern Palace, were to learn that our Wu family... has actually harbored thoughts of 'seizing the throne'..."

Wu Poyun's eyes flashed with cold light, his tone chilling:

"That would be a path to certain death! If His Highness the Crown Prince wants to destroy our Wu family, with the power he still wields in the Eastern Palace and the court, he might not even need to lift a finger. Just a hint of his will would be enough to send countless people swarming us and tearing us to shreds! At that point, let alone becoming a fourth-rank family, it's uncertain whether even a single bloodline of our entire family will survive!"

These words were like ice water poured over their heads, instantly snapping Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an out of their fantasies, their backs drenched in cold sweat.

Yes, the Crown Prince was only confined to his quarters, not deposed!

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, let alone the Crown Prince who has been regent for many years! His power is deeply entrenched and intricate, far beyond the reach of the Wu family. If they were to discover any disloyalty on the other side, the consequences would be…

Wu Hongluan's face was deathly pale, and her lips trembled:

"Yes...it was my foolishness...I spoke recklessly for a moment..."

Wu Cheng'an wiped the cold sweat from his forehead repeatedly, feeling lingering fear.

Seeing that the two had come to their senses, Wu Poyun softened his tone slightly, but remained serious:
"Grandmother, Patriarch, remember this: our Wu family's only task and only way out is to complete the task assigned by the Crown Prince—to seize the treasures of Tianlong Mountain and present them at the Emperor's birthday banquet! Only by demonstrating sufficient value and loyalty can we gain a foothold and seek development in His Highness the Crown Prince's future, or in any possible future changes."

"As for the rest..." He shook his head, "It is beyond the purview of us subjects, and even more beyond the reach of our Wu family. His Highness the Second Prince is known for his virtue and prudent conduct. We only need to maintain a respectful and good relationship as usual, and absolutely must not overstep our bounds, much less jeopardize our family's fate on the ephemeral 'succession struggle.' That is a dead end that, once embarked upon, could lead to utter ruin!"

Wu Hongluan and Wu Cheng'an nodded repeatedly, no longer daring to have any improper thoughts.

Wu Poyun then continued to ask:
"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Have you thoroughly investigated the manpower and situation of the other fifth-rank families who entered Tianlong Mountain?"

Wu Cheng'an was prepared and immediately reported back:

"Reporting to the elder, of the known families, the Cao family has kept its mountain gates closed and acted discreetly in recent years, and it is still unknown who they will send. The Zhuo family has always been mysterious, and their actions are unpredictable, making it difficult for spies to infiltrate them, so there is no definite information about them at the moment."

He paused, a slight smile appearing on his face:
"However, our in-law Cheng family has sent a secret message, expressing their willingness to join forces with my Wu family in the secret realm and advance and retreat together. Although the Cheng family is slightly weaker, it is always good to have more help."

Wu Poyun's brows did not relax after listening; he was clearly not most concerned about the Cao, Zhuo, and Cheng families. He looked directly at Wu Cheng'an and lowered his voice:
"Where is the Fu family?"

The moment those two words were uttered, the atmosphere within the forbidden area seemed to freeze for a moment.

A complex emotion flashed in Wu Poyun's eyes:
"Back then, Fu Changsheng was once close behind me on the Heavenly Patrol Ranking. This man is meticulous and has extraordinary methods; he is by no means an easy person to deal with. Although I have long since left him behind, if such a person were to enter Tianlong Mountain, it is hard to guarantee that he would not become a variable."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of apprehension and decisiveness:

"If it weren't for the potential formidable enemies and unforeseen events, why would I have pleaded with Your Majesty to deploy such a trump card as the 'Seven Kills of Heavenly Capital'? This time, we must have absolute control over Tianlong Mountain!"

Sensing Wu Poyun's high regard for Fu Changsheng, Wu Cheng'an also became more serious and quickly said:

"Elder Poyun, rest assured, we have been closely monitoring the Fu family. According to reliable sources, Fu Changsheng himself is still in Wuzhou and shows no signs of heading to Jinzhou. There has also been no large-scale mobilization of elites or preparations for entering the secret realm within the Fu family. Perhaps... the Fu family feels that their strength is insufficient and dares not compete with our Wu family, or perhaps they simply do not know the specific value of the item from Tianlong Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Wu Hongluan, who had been listening in, couldn't help but snort coldly, her face showing a dismissive expression:
"Po Yun, I think you're being too cautious! That Fu Changsheng is just a wild boy from a poor, remote place like Wuzhou. He only managed to climb to his current position by sheer luck. How can he compare to my grandson, a prodigy who has been nurtured by the family since childhood and has spent many years training in the capital?"

She looked at Wu Poyun, her tone carrying both the comforting and proud air of an elder:

"Moreover, this time we not only have you here, but also the 'Seven Killers of Heavenly Capital' dispatched by the Empress! With seven fake infants working together, even a Nascent Soul True Monarch can be killed! Even if Fu Changsheng has three heads and six arms, what waves can he stir up? You can put your mind at ease. This trip to Tianlong Mountain will definitely be the Wu family's for the taking!"

Wu Cheng'an chimed in from the side:
"What the Ancestor said is very true. Elder Poyun, you are a master strategist, and with such a powerful ally as the 'Seven Killers of Heavenly Capital,' the Fu family is nothing to worry about. Even if Fu Changsheng really comes, he will be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, only to bring shame upon himself."

"I hope so." Wu Poyun finally said only calmly, a cold glint in his eyes. "In any case, once we enter the secret realm, proceed according to plan. If we encounter the Fu family... if they know what's good for them and retreat, fine; but if they dare to obstruct us..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the chilling killing intent he exuded sent a shiver down Wu Cheng'an's spine.

...

...

The Cheng family home, a secret room.

The heavy stone door was tightly shut, its surface shimmering with arrayed light, isolating all breath and sound from the inside and outside. The secret chamber was dimly lit, with only a single bronze oil lamp in the center casting a dim yellow light that illuminated several faces with different expressions.

Only five people were present, all of whom were absolute confidants and core elders of the Cheng family's lineage. The patriarch's Daoist partner—Madam Wu from the Wu family—and those from the young master's faction who tended to be deeply bound to the Wu family were deliberately excluded.

The atmosphere was so heavy that water seemed to drip out.

The head of the Cheng family sat at the head of the table. He was about fifty years old and had a refined appearance, but at this moment his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he swept over the four elders below.

"Gentlemen," he said, getting straight to the point, his voice deep yet exceptionally clear, "I have gathered you all here today for one thing only—in this Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm, my Cheng family can no longer simply follow the Wu family's lead and let them manipulate us as before!"

These words were like a thunderbolt from the blue!

The eldest elder, seated at the head of the left-hand side, immediately frowned. He was the most senior and also the most conservative member of the clan. He stroked his white beard and said in a deep voice:

"Patriarch, isn't this a bit too radical? Although His Highness the Crown Prince is currently under house arrest by His Majesty, he remains the Crown Prince, and his position as heir apparent remains unchanged. The Wu family, as the maternal family of the Crown Prince's concubine, has close ties with the Eastern Palace. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Wu family will undoubtedly rise to prominence and achieve great success. Our Cheng family, as in-laws of the Wu family, has benefited greatly from our association with them over the years. To distance ourselves from them now would probably be... unwise."

His concerns represented the thoughts of some of the more mature and prudent members of the Cheng family—to cling to the Wu family as a powerful force and await future rewards.

"Hmph!" Cheng Yuanshan sneered upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "Elder, the Wu family has been instilling these ideas in us for hundreds of years! 'When the Crown Prince ascends the throne,' 'When the Wu family rises to prominence, the Cheng family will surely benefit'... But what has been the result?"

He stood up and walked to the oil lamp, the light casting flickering shadows on half of his face.
"Not to mention that His Majesty's cultivation is unfathomable and his lifespan is long, with no signs of ascension, the day when the Crown Prince ascends the throne is far off. Even if that day truly comes, Consort Wu may be favored, but the child she gave birth to is the Second Prince, not the Crown Prince's grandson who is confined to his quarters! The future succession to the throne is uncertain, who can say for sure?"

He paused, his tone growing colder, filled with long-suppressed resentment:
"More importantly, after what happened at Changling Mountain, can't you all see the true colors of the Wu family?"

Mentioning Changling Mountain caused the expressions of the elders present to change.

Cheng Yuanshan's voice rose a few decibels, carrying a questioning tone:

"It's certain that the Wu family discovered an immense opportunity in Changling Mountain! They secretly plotted, mobilized massive resources, built altars, and even sacrificed living beings... Such an earth-shattering event, did they ever reveal even a hint to our Cheng family, this so-called 'close in-law' and 'loyal ally'? Did they ever think of including us in the spoils?!"

"no!"

He asked himself the question and answered it himself, with unwavering certainty:

"They kept us completely in the dark! It wasn't until things escalated and alarmed the Crown Prince's concubine that we pieced together a few bits of the truth from scattered information! What does this mean? It means that in the eyes of the Wu family, our Cheng family is nothing more than an external vassal that can be manipulated and sacrificed at any time! When there are benefits, their first thought is to take them all for themselves; when trouble arises and they need us, they will remember us!"

His piercing gaze swept over the crowd:

"In the battle of Changling Mountain, the Wu family suffered heavy losses. Wu Hongluan was seriously injured, and several Golden Core elders perished, greatly diminishing their strength. This was certainly their retribution, but it also completely tore off their hypocritical mask! Is a family that only thinks of itself in times of crisis and discards its allies like trash in the face of profit worthy of our Cheng family's continued dedication, even at the cost of the family's future?"

Cheng Yuanshan's words were like a sharp knife, cutting open the layer of resentment and bitterness that had accumulated in the Cheng family over the years beneath their forbearance and submission to the Wu family.

"The patriarch is right!"

A hot-tempered young elder, Cheng Lie, slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed red:

"Our Cheng family is no longer the lowly aristocratic family that had to rely on the Wu family for survival! Now we are a respectable fifth-rank aristocratic family, on equal footing with the Wu family! Why should we still have to be subservient to them and order them around?"

"that is!"

Another elder also said indignantly:
"Over the years, the Wu family has relied on their connection to the Crown Prince to boss around our Cheng family and make endless demands. They want the lion's share of the spirit mines, they want to gain an advantage in trade routes, and they even interfere in the marriages of our clan members! Are we, the Cheng family, destined to be inferior to them?"

The Grand Elder listened to the crowd's impassioned speeches, his expression shifting constantly.

He did resent the Wu family's domineering ways, but his concerns ran deeper.

He pondered:

"What the patriarch says makes sense. The Wu family acts domineeringly, disregarding their allies, which is disheartening. But... the Wu family has a deep foundation and the backing of the Crown Prince. If we openly break with them, or even oppose them at Tianlong Mountain, we might incur swift retaliation. Moreover, Wu Poyun has returned. He is a prodigy ranked fifteenth on the Heavenly Patrol Ranking, and his strength is unfathomable. The Wu family is determined to win this secret realm and must be well-prepared..."

“I understand the Elder’s concerns.” Cheng Yuanshan raised his hand to stop him, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. “We do not want to immediately break ties with the Wu family and openly become enemies. That would be courting our own destruction.”

He sat back down in the main seat, his voice regaining its composure, yet carrying a do-or-die determination:

"This Tianlong Mountain event presents an opportunity for our Cheng family to change our relationship with the Wu family! We will no longer be their pawns, but will fight for our own interests as equal partners!"

"First of all, within the secret realm, we will no longer unconditionally obey the Wu family's orders. Their goal is that birthday gift, and we can assist them, but we must clearly define the share and compensation that our Cheng family is entitled to! If the Wu family still wants to use us as free thugs, then don't blame us for outwardly complying while inwardly resisting and not putting in any real effort!"

Secondly

"We must take this opportunity to find out the true strength and weaknesses of the Wu family. In particular, we need to ascertain the extent of the damage the Wu family suffered at Changling Mountain! This will be a crucial basis for our future decision on how to interact with the Wu family."

A brief silence fell over the sealed room, broken only by the crackling of the burning oil lamp wick.

A different kind of light ignited in the eyes of the elders. The pent-up frustration of being suppressed by the Wu family for many years, their worries about the future of the family, and their desire for independence and autonomy intertwined at this moment.

The First Elder finally sighed and slowly nodded: "The Patriarch is far-sighted, and I... second that opinion. It's time for the Cheng family to show some backbone."

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

The other elders also expressed their opinions.

Seeing the do-or-die determination burning in everyone's eyes, and knowing their morale was high, Cheng Yuanshan, the head of the Cheng family, seized the opportunity to present an even more crucial and enticing goal. His gaze was intense, his voice lowered, yet each word struck like a hammer blow to the hearts of everyone present:
"Gentlemen, within the Tianlong Mountain Secret Realm, besides the congratulatory gift that the Crown Prince is determined to obtain, there is also a great opportunity concerning the rise and fall of my Cheng family over the next thousand years. We must seize it at all costs!"

He looked around at everyone and said slowly and deliberately, "That is—my Cheng family ancestor once secretly cultivated a medicinal garden in the 'Cloud Hidden Valley' deep within the secret realm and personally planted the Nine Cloud Scale Flower!"

"Nine-Cloud Scale Flower?!"

The elders gasped almost simultaneously, their eyes gleaming with unbelievable ecstasy.

They certainly knew what the Nine Cloud Scale Flower meant!
This flower is one of the top-tier natural treasures used to enhance the quality of the Golden Core and increase the success rate of its formation. It is especially effective for cultivators at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm who are attempting to break through to the Golden Core realm! A mature Nine Cloud Scale Flower, combined with a suitable pill formula, is enough to support the birth of several newly promoted Golden Core cultivators!

"Patriarch...is this true? Our ancestor actually left behind such a contingency plan?"

Elder Cheng Yuan's voice trembled slightly. He knew better than anyone else what such a batch of Nine Cloud Scale Flowers would mean for the family.

Cheng Yuanshan nodded emphatically:
“It’s absolutely true! This matter is a secret passed down orally from generation to generation of family heads, recorded in the ‘Ancestor’s Secret Records’ which can only be read by the family head. Back then, my Cheng family’s brilliant ancestor, ‘Lord Yunya,’ took control of part of the restrictions of Yunyin Valley by chance and discovered a spiritual eye in the valley’s earth veins, which was extremely suitable for cultivating Nine Cloud Scale Flowers. He then used all the precious flower seeds he had with him at the time to set up a great array and secretly cultivate them.”

He did a quick calculation, his tone becoming increasingly agitated:
"According to the records in the 'Secret Records' and the calculation of the flower's maturity cycle, that batch of Nine Cloud Scale Flowers... has just reached the ripening and harvesting season! Moreover, what our ancestors planted back then was not just a few plants, but an entire flowerbed! If we can harvest them all successfully..."

Cheng Yuanshan didn't continue, but everyone understood the unspoken message.

Harvest all of them?

That means a terrifying amount of resources that would be enough to support the family in producing hundreds of new Golden Core cultivators in a short period of time!
This is not just about a surge in the number of Golden Core cultivators in the family, but a qualitative leap in overall strength! The family's fortune, its say in resource allocation, and even the foundation for its future ambition to become a fourth-rank family will all be completely different as a result!
“A hundred Golden Core cultivators…” an elder murmured to himself, his face flushed with excitement. “With such resources, why should we need to be subservient to the Wu family? My Cheng family can hold our heads high and build our own empire in Jinzhou and beyond!”

"Exactly!" Elder Cheng Lie clenched his fists, his eyes filled with ruthlessness and determination. "For this batch of Nine Cloud Scale Flowers, let alone outwardly complying while secretly disobeying, even if it means completely turning against the Wu family, we are willing to do so! This is the foundation for our Cheng family's advancement to the fourth rank and even our future dominance! We absolutely cannot afford to lose it!"

"Yes! We must obtain the Nine Cloud Scale Flower at all costs!"

"With this flower, what worries does the Cheng family have about not prospering? The Wu family? Hmph!"

The atmosphere in the secret chamber was instantly ignited. The slight apprehension they had shown towards the Wu family earlier seemed insignificant in the face of a treasure capable of changing their family's fate. Every elder's eyes burned with a fervent flame—an infinite yearning for the family's rise and a fervent desire to break free from their subservient status.

Seeing that morale had reached its peak, Cheng Yuanshan raised his hand in a gesture of calm, but his face also betrayed his excitement:

"Your determination is surely gratifying to our ancestors. However, obtaining this flower will not be easy; we must be aware of the dangers involved and plan carefully."

His expression turned serious, and he began to recount key information:
"First of all, Cloud Hidden Valley is a secluded place within the secret realm, and it is concealed by a natural maze, making it difficult to find in ordinary times. Even if you do find it, in order to protect the herb garden, our ancestors not only set up a powerful ancient protective array, the 'Nine Lock Cloud Ring Array,' but also left behind a pair of fourth-tier spirit beasts, the 'Azure Wood Spirit Ape,' to guard the herb garden and take care of the spiritual plants. These apes are naturally friendly to plants and trees and are proficient in cultivation. With their protection, the Nine Cloud Scale Flower has been able to grow smoothly for hundreds of years."

(End of this chapter)