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Chapter 384: Conferment, Schemes, Spirit Body Advancement

As the teleportation array activated,

the crushing sensation of space spanning two provinces surged forth. Even with the protection of teleportation talismans, Widow Wang, still at the Qi Refining stage, felt dizzy and quickly fainted. Beside her, Fugui, though at Foundation Establishment, only managed to endure less than half a cup of tea’s time.

Fu Yongyi also sat cross-legged, clearly strained.

In contrast, Yao Yao and Fu Changlei only furrowed their brows, still appearing rather at ease.

Both had cultivated the Great Evolution Technique to the third layer, and as formation masters, their divine sense was naturally strong.

Buzz!

The spiritual light swirling around them suddenly rippled. The next instant, their vision brightened, and five figures appeared in a teleportation hall. Compared to the hall in Jingzhou, this one was clearly newly built, inscribed with the latest Tianyun Sealing Array.

Inside the hall,

a Realm-Pacification Division Purple Mansion Thousand-Household Officer sat at the side.

Yao Yao and Fu Changlei stepped forward with a bow.

“Lord Yun, we are from the Fu Clan of Luofeng Mountain, here to handle the matter of receiving a seventh-rank noble fief.”

Yun Qianhu was slightly surprised as he glanced at them. Though Wuzhou was newly established, many Purple Mansion cultivators had teleported in. Very few remained unaffected by the crushing force of teleportation as they had.

“The conferment of fiefs is personally handled by the Ten-Thousand-Household Lord. Exit the hall and head to Tianyun Hall behind the mountain.”

“Thank you!”

By now, Fu Yongyi had also risen from the teleportation array.

As for Fugui and Widow Wang, they remained unconscious.

The three left the teleportation hall.

With a sweep of divine sense,

the entire Wuzhou City came into view.

Since Wuzhou was newly established, it wasn’t large—just a single street, with a towering hall rising behind the mountain.

Before teleporting, they had heard from Fu Yongshang that Wuzhou City was currently under the management of the Realm-Pacification Division. Li Wanhu, formerly stationed in Jingzhou, had been transferred here to sit in command. Moreover, to prevent the newly seized city from being taken again, Wuzhou’s Ten-Thousand-Household Lord had uniquely deployed six Ten-Thousand-Household Officers, along with four from the Spirit-Suppressing Division.

In other words—

Wuzhou City currently had at least ten Golden Core True Persons in residence!

It was said that one from each of the two divisions had already reached False Core, only one step away from Nascent Soul. These two were the true stabilizing anchors of Wuzhou.

Upon leaving the teleportation hall,

thick spiritual qi surged toward them.

Yao Yao carefully sensed it, her eyes lighting up.

“This spiritual qi…”

Compared to Jingzhou, it was even denser, and more refined.

Fu Changlei muttered:

“No wonder the court has never ceased waging war over the Extreme West.”

This was clearly a piece of fat meat.

By comparison, the Eastern Wilds felt utterly impoverished.

Only such abundant, refined spiritual qi could give rise to so many ore veins.

Though weary before, Fu Yongyi instantly perked up, sleeves practically rolled, eager to throw himself into work.

Fu Changlei said:

“Let’s first find an inn to settle down.”

Widow Wang was still unconscious, though Fugui had awoken. Still, both were pale as paper, likely needing a day or two to recover.

The streets held only a few cultivators, moving briskly, all dressed in the uniforms of the two divisions. Shops on both sides were nearly empty. The city was still in early recovery. There was only one inn, its plaque inscribed: Wanning Chamber of Commerce.

“This Wanning Chamber of Commerce moves fast indeed!”

Elsewhere in Wuzhou’s commanderies, even if claimed, most were still busy building their fiefs. That explained the sparse population here.

The five entered the inn and arranged rooms. Fugui stayed to tend to Widow Wang, while the other three planned to visit the Ten-Thousand-Household Office. Fu Yongshang had mentioned that the Lei Clan would also be here to choose a fief, so they needed to move quickly. If Huizhou Prefecture had no major issues, they would settle it per the matriarch’s instructions.

…

Not long after their arrival, Li Wanhu received the news.

His deputy, Yan Qianhu, knowing there had been past friction between the Fu Clan and their lord, seized the chance.

“Lord, among Wuzhou’s commanderies, only Guilin, Cangwu, and Huizhou remain. Of these, Huizhou is the weakest. West to the Burning-Heaven Fire Domain, east to the Misty Ghost Forest, and half its center occupied by the Yin-Thunder Bamboo Sea… why not let me arrange it so that Huizhou is handed directly to the Fu Clan?”

Li Wanhu remained silent—neither agreeing nor opposing.

But Yan Qianhu understood. Silence was consent.

He cupped his hands, then went to receive the Fu clan members waiting in the side hall.

Entering with a smile, Yan Qianhu bowed.

“Three Daoist friends, you’ve traveled far and must be weary. Lord Wanhu is presently tied up with urgent affairs, so I will brief you on the available fiefs. Please rest assured, I joined the Division in the same intake as Daoist Molan—we’ve fought life-and-death battles together. If ever you need help, speak freely.”

In truth, Fu Molan had always secluded herself in cultivation or puppet studies, later joining the Division. The younger generation like Yao Yao had little interaction with her.

Seeing Yan Qianhu’s sincerity, they harbored no doubts, simply offering thanks.

When the mood was right, Yan Qianhu waved his sleeve. A scroll unfurled, revealing Wuzhou’s terrain.

All areas were already marked with owners—

except Guilin, Cangwu, and Huizhou.

Pointing, Yan Qianhu said:

“Currently, only these three remain.

Guilin lies southeast, flat terrain, abundant qi, suited for planting spirit herbs and building estates.

Cangwu lies northwest, near spirit-mineral mountains, rich in resources but treacherous.

Huizhou lies southwest, west to the Burning-Heaven Fire Domain, east to the Misty Ghost Forest, and with its heart dominated by the Yin-Thunder Bamboo Sea. The environment is most complex.”

He paused, then added with warmth:

“Given my bond with Molan, my recommendation is that your Fu Clan choose Huizhou.”

Yao Yao was startled.

Before leaving, the matriarch had also instructed them to pick Huizhou.

Still, Fu Changlei frowned deliberately.

“Yan Qianhu, Huizhou’s geography is rather perilous. Building a fief there may bring endless troubles.”

Yan Qianhu smiled.

“True, Huizhou’s environment is harsh, but that’s precisely why no one else has seized it. If your clan can establish itself there, the growth potential will be far greater. Moreover, the Yin-Thunder Bamboo within, while dangerous, produces Yin-Thunder Bamboo—an excellent material for refining high-grade talismans and artifacts.”

At this, Yao Yao’s heart stirred.

Indeed, Yin-Thunder Bamboo was a precious resource. If they could seize Huizhou’s Bamboo Sea, the Fu Clan’s future would be secured. Still, she voiced her concern.

“Though rich in resources, Huizhou is fraught with dangers. Should sects attack, with our current manpower, how could we resist?”

Yan Qianhu quickly reassured them.

“Fear not. Wuzhou is jointly guarded by our Realm-Pacification Division and the Spirit-Suppressing Division. Should trouble arise, both divisions will lend full aid. And…”

He glanced outside, then quietly added after sealing the formation:

“Truth be told, once in a mission I nearly perished, and it was Molan who saved my life. I owe her everything. Thus, I would never deceive you in this.”

Then, before their eyes, he swore on his life soul.

Yao Yao and the others exchanged glances.

Huizhou had been their first choice anyway. With his oath, she felt it was best to act swiftly. Yet Fu Changlei remained cautious.

At that moment, Yan Qianhu’s communication talisman lit. After reading it, he excused himself.

“Forgive me, friends. The Lei Clan has also arrived—I must greet them. They are kin to a Seventh Commandery Prince, not to be offended. My proposal you may consider. But should the Lei Clan hear word and claim Huizhou first, my hands will be tied.”

With that, he departed.

Only the three remained.

After sealing the room, Yao Yao pressed eagerly:

“Uncle Changlei, since Mother chose Huizhou, it must be right. With Yan Qianhu’s guarantee, if we delay, the Lei Clan may snatch it.”

Fu Yongyi looked to Fu Changlei for a decision.

Fu Changlei tapped the table, eyes narrowed.

“Choosing wrongly could doom the clan. We’ve only heard Yan Qianhu’s side, without even inspecting Huizhou. If later problems arise, we’d be branded traitors to our family.”

He added,

“The Lei Clan will surely inspect all three before choosing. That is the prudent course.”

Fu Yongyi nodded in agreement.

Yao Yao, though understanding, still felt he was overcautious. Raised under Fu Changsheng’s indulgence, she had always acted freely without fear of reprimand.

“Then let’s do this. Uncle Changlei, you stay in Wuzhou City. Shitou-ge and I will head to Huizhou now. If all is well, we’ll send word and you can secure the fief immediately.”

Fu Changlei shook his head.

“No. I’ll accompany you, and Yongyi will stay behind.”

“Fine.”

Without delay, they left.

Passing by Widow Wang and Fugui’s room, Fu Changlei paused. Widow Wang had just awoken, pale but conscious, while Fugui looked much recovered and eager to explore for business opportunities.

Both quickly saluted.

“Greetings, Elder Changlei.”

Fu Changlei waved them down, his gaze landing on Widow Wang.

“Fairy Wang, you will accompany us.”

“Yes.”

She rose at once.

Fugui, unwilling to be left behind, quickly said:

“Elder, is there anything I can do?”

Before leaving, Spring Niang had urged him to watch, listen, and seize chances to prove himself. Even Widow Wang, only at Qi Refining, had been called. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, surely he could contribute more.

Fu Changlei paused, then instructed:

“You stay in the city. Gather information on sects near Wuzhou.”

With that, he departed with Widow Wang and Yao Yao.

Once outside the city gates, mounted on the Four-Winged Scarlet Python, Yao Yao turned to Widow Wang.

Her Healing Spirit Body flared with light.

Buzz!

A strand of energy flowed into Widow Wang, flushing her pallid face with color and sweeping away her fatigue.

Having advanced to Purple Mansion, Yao Yao’s Healing Spirit Body had grown stronger, able even to mend mental wounds.

Widow Wang’s heart quaked.

She bowed deeper, reverence swelling within her.

Thank you for reading! I hope you’re enjoying the twists and politics of the Fu Clan’s fief selection. If you’d like to support me, please consider joining my Patreon—your help means the world and keeps the translations coming. Also, I’d be deeply grateful if you could leave a rating or review on NovelUpdates to spread the word!

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