The Rise of a Family: Starting from Daily Intelligence - Chapter 413 (Patreon)

Chapter 413: The Grand Wedding, The Deal, and the Celestial Demon Transmutation Technique

“Ding.”

“Your child Yao Yao has awakened the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox bloodline and earned 3,000 family contribution points.”

On the panel, the Fu Clan’s contribution total jumped to 3,800—the extra eight hundred came from Yao Yao’s first-time rebate for raising her spiritual-root aptitude.

Fu Changsheng blinked at the number, not particularly shocked.

When Mei Zhen gave birth to the triplets, a heaven-sent phenomenon descended.

Among Yao Yao and her two brothers, at least one was destined to answer that omen.

Only—

Whether this fox bloodline in Yao Yao came from the Fu family or the Liu family remained a mystery.

A sharp “chirp.”

Just then, the Azure-Faced White Fox that usually curled at Fu Changsheng’s feet seemed to sense something. It called twice toward the place where Yao Yao was in seclusion.

“If I’d known this, I should have given the white fox to Yao Yao.”

Both carried the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox bloodline.

Only—

This Azure-Faced White Fox had followed him too long and knew too many secrets. It would be unwise to dissolve the contract now.

“I wonder—after awakening her bloodline, did Yao Yao’s Healing Spirit Body also advance?”

If she could wake Ningning directly, nothing would be better.

Though the system had notified him, without seeing it himself Fu Changsheng remained uneasy. He exited the Five Elements Space, flickered a few times, and arrived at Yao Yao’s little courtyard. After sending a voice transmission, he waited quite a while before the door opened.

One sweep of his gaze—

Yao Yao had smoothly broken through to mid-stage Purple Mansion.

Besides that—

A bewitching, foxy aura flowed from her, utterly different from her previous bearing.

“Father, I…”

“Inside. We’ll talk.”

Fu Changsheng quickly stopped her. After he shut the courtyard array, Yao Yao could no longer hold it in.

“Father, while I was cultivating just now, a power descended from the unseen. I muddle-headedly broke through to mid-stage Purple Mansion. And vaguely, I felt like my body was reforged from the inside out—I… I don’t even recognize myself.”

A bloodline awakening.

It would come with a blessing of power.

Fu Changsheng swept her with his spiritual sense and found that Yao Yao’s meridians were indeed tougher than before. What’s more, dozens of new meridians had opened—paths he had neither heard of nor seen—surely routes peculiar to a demon clan’s cultivation.

“Yao Yao, when you broke through, did any information appear in your mind?”

Ordinarily,

Bloodline awakening came with an ancient inheritance.

If complete, it would be an entire system of Techniques; failing that, at least several bloodline secret arts.

Yao Yao shook her head.

“When that power from the void blessed me, my head went hazy. I can’t remember the details of the breakthrough at all.”

There’s such a thing?

Fu Changsheng frowned, then said,

“No matter. See if you can recall it later. But today’s matter—don’t mention it to anyone.”

Yao Yao nodded earnestly.

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox bloodline was too rare; someone might covet it.

Fu Changsheng also did not tell her that this had been a bloodline awakening. He would wait until the day they found the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox’s inheritance.

“Yao Yao, check whether your Healing Spirit Body changed along with the breakthrough.”

“Yes, Father.”

Yao Yao closed her eyes, wove a hand seal, and wisps of azure spiritual energy streamed from her body.

Fu Changsheng narrowed his eyes. The azure qi looked finer than before, yet purer. He grew excited.

“Yao Yao, with your current ability, can you wake Ningning?”

Yao Yao withdrew the seal.

She pondered a while, still uncertain.

“Ninth Sister’s situation is rather special… but we can try.”

“Good.”

At least there was a sliver of hope.

Fu Changsheng immediately led Yao Yao to the secret chamber. When the chamber opened, a chill yin aura billowed out. Ningning lay in the ice coffin, face deathly pale. Last time, Yao Yao had washed the witchcraft qi from Ningning’s body, but that treated the symptoms, not the root.

Ningning’s soul was incomplete.

She still showed no sign of waking.

Worse, with time her body grew weaker.

Fu Changsheng’s heart clenched. He looked at Yao Yao with desperate hope.

Yao Yao suddenly felt the weight of responsibility.

She drew a deep breath,

stepped to the coffin, formed a curious hand seal, and stirred the azure qi within her. When the energy reached the Heaven and Earth Bridges, a flash of inspiration made her reverse the flow, sending it through three newly opened meridians. After a small circulation, the azure qi that shot from her fingertips carried a trace of silver.

“Huh—what’s this?”

Fu Changsheng, focused on Ningning, snapped his head toward Yao Yao.

As she ran her qi,

a hazy sigil faintly pulsed on her brow, though its outline was hard to make out. With a hum, the azure-silver qi at her fingertips quivered, splitting into over a hundred hair-thin silver needles that flashed into Ningning’s body.

At the same time,

the Azure-Faced White Fox tucked in Fu Changsheng’s sleeve squeaked twice,

took the initiative to crawl out,

and fixed a questioning gaze on Yao Yao with her eyes closed in concentration.

After a while,

pain creased Ningning’s face.

Her body began to tremble.

A sizzling sound rose.

Wisps of witch-qi streamed endlessly from her mouth and nose.

Fu Changsheng tightened with worry, but when he saw a faint blush replace Ningning’s pallor, he knew this was good.

A full cup of tea’s time later,

beads of cold sweat studded Yao Yao’s brow and her body swayed. Fu Changsheng immediately cried out,

“Yao Yao, don’t force it. That’s enough for today!”

Boom!

At his word, Yao Yao withdrew her seal. The secret chamber’s abnormal phenomena ebbed away. She staggered, and Fu Changsheng caught her.

Just now she felt boneless, soft as water. Yet her mind remained clear. Seeing her father’s worried, guilty face, she managed a wan smile.

“Father, I’m fine.”

Not only fine—

The treatment had actually stabilized her fresh mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivation.

Her fatigue was merely mental exhaustion; after a short rest, she’d recover.

Fu Changsheng let out a long breath.

After a while,

when he saw Yao Yao had steadied, he couldn’t help asking,

“Yao Yao, how is your Ninth Sister?”

“Ninth Sister’s divine soul is missing a piece. We still need the method I mentioned before to cure her completely. But after this treatment, I’ve pulled out the hidden witch-poison completely. Ninth Sister should be safe for the next ten years.”

Compared to before,

it bought them over half again as much time.

Fu Changsheng felt both worry and relief.

Whatever the case,

the result was good.

“Yao Yao, you’ve worked hard. Remember this: if you treat others in the future, no one can be present.”

He told her about the sigil blooming on her brow.

Yao Yao had sensed it too.

She nodded.

“Father, rest assured. I’ll be careful. Also—about Ninth Sister… will you keep it from Auntie?”

They would soon be one family.

Fu Changsheng hesitated, then shook his head.

“I’ll find the right time to tell Qingru.”

Before, when Ningning was unstable and had only three to five years, if he couldn’t obtain Donghua Yi Wood, telling Qingru would only make her grieve again. Also, to let Kang’er inherit the title of Seventh Commandery King, Ningning being alive had to stay hidden.

But now, that was no longer necessary.

Ten years.

Whatever it took, he would find Donghua Yi Wood.

Besides—

Kang’er inheriting the title had already become a pipe dream.

…

In a blink, the fifteenth arrived.

Within and without Demon-Subduing City, lanterns and banners blazed. Ninety-nine pairs of scarlet silk lanterns wound from the mountain gate up to the main hall. Each lantern was painted in gold with a motif of spirit birds flying side by side. At first light, thirty-six Foundation Establishment disciples trod auspicious clouds, jade chimes in hand. They formed ranks amid the clouds; the clear notes drifted with the dawn glow for a hundred li.

On the green-jade plaza before the main hall, a hundred purple-sandalwood tables stood in an Eight Trigrams pattern. At each table lay a second-rank spirit fruit called “Blush-of-Youth” and a wine ewer carved from century-old Coldjade.

On the wedding day, Shangguan Feng of Huainan Prefecture and Elder Shi arrived by teleportation array in Huizhou Commandery.

When Shangguan Feng followed an attendant through a corridor, he noticed the pillars were twined not with silk but with living Fire Spirit Vine. Blossoms swayed to the music, shedding motes of starlight.

“Senior Shangguan, please take your seat.”

Fu Yongqi, robed in crimson gauze, bowed to lead the way. Only then did Shangguan Feng realize the “red carpet” was no ordinary runner but a “Step-by-Step Lotus Carpet” woven from Scarletflame Silkworm thread. Each step brought a golden lotus apparition blooming underfoot.

Elder Shi leaned in to whisper, “I hear that carpet alone cost a hundred second-rank Scarletflame Silkworms ten years of silk. The Fu family truly—”

Before he finished, a clear phoenix cry rang from the clouds. All looked up to see a Green Luan phoenix bird drawing a gilded bridal palanquin through the overcast. The merfolk gossamer curtains draping the palanquin refracted seven-colored halos in the sun.

When the palanquin touched down, a vast Yin-Yang fish array diagram surfaced across the plaza.

Fu Changsheng stepped out in a black wedding robe. The dark patterns at his hem flowed like the stars of the week; seven ancient jades on his belt corresponded to the Big Dipper.

When he lifted the bride down, everyone saw that the phoenix crown upon Yu Qingru’s head was no mundane ornament—woven from phoenix-tail plumes, every feather flowed with nirvana fire.

“Newlyweds, serve tea—”

The master of ceremonies called.

As the first wife, Liu Mei Zhen sat at the head.

Within the cups, tea leaves unfurled in the flame into the shape of twin lotus on one stalk; the fragrance held a faint note unique to the Dragonblood Tree.

After the bows were done,

at the feast,

Elder Shi glanced at Yu Qingru above, honored by all, and sighed to Shangguan Feng beside him. “Brother Shangguan, even a daughter of the Yu family has entered the Fu gates. If only your Hongyu…”

If she were still alive,

today’s glory might not belong to Yu Qingru.

After reaching Huizhou, they had heard that Fu Changsheng had taken first at the Seven-Ranked Family Competition in Wuzhou. This man was no creature of a shallow pond. Now that he’d flown out of remote Huainan Prefecture, he would surely spread his wings.

If Shangguan Hongyu yet lived,

the Shangguan clan would prosper with him. What a pity.

Shangguan Feng’s gaze drifted between Yu Qingru and Fu Changsheng, worry tugging at his face. Changsheng and Hongyu had been apart for decades, and more women would likely appear around him. He feared that even if Hongyu were found, their love might not be what it was.

But—

That was secondary. He only wished Hongyu safe and sound.

Just then,

Fu Changsheng vaulted over the guests, personally leading Yu Qingru with tea to Shangguan Feng.

“Qingru, if not for Uncle Feng and Hongyu back then, I’d have died at the Zhang clan’s hands in Anyang Commandery. This cup—you’ll drink it to honor Uncle Feng and Hongyu for me.”

Shangguan Feng blinked.

Elder Shi at his side could only envy.

Fu Changsheng’s gesture undeniably established Hongyu’s standing for the future: even if Yu Qingru had entered the gate first, once Hongyu returned she would outrank her.

It showed—

Fu Changsheng truly loved Shangguan Hongyu.

After so many years,

he hadn’t forgotten.

Elder Shi nudged Shangguan Feng. “Brother Shangguan, Fairy Yu’s arms are getting sore—take the tea already.”

Shangguan Feng stirred,

moved and thrilled in equal measure.

Back then Hongyu had refused several excellent matches; today proved she’d chosen well. He accepted the cup with a smile.

Laughter swelled—

Then a bell tolled ahead.

“Honored guest arriving.”

At this, Liu Mei Zhen, who was handling the wedding, froze. Fu Changsheng had instructed that the ceremony be simple, with no need to notify other Wuzhou families. How could there be guests?

She turned to Fu Changsheng. “Husband, you continue. I’ll go see the front gate.”

After the wedding,

the Kunlun Minor World would open.

The Fu Clan’s mountain-guarding array at Demon-Subduing City would not open lightly—even for guests.

Liu Mei Zhen flashed to the mountain gate. Outside stood a familiar figure. Her eyes narrowed and she stepped forward. “Senior Cao, what a surprise. Forgive us for not greeting you farther out.”

It was Cao Xianger.

She wore no official uniform today. A sky-aqua riding suit made her look even more slender. Her left hand hovered at her lower abdomen.

Liu Mei Zhen signaled Fu Yongqi to open the array and smiled as she stepped up.

“Lord Cao, please, inside.”

When Cao Xianger saw it wasn’t Fu Changsheng who had come,

a flicker of loss crossed her eyes. She looked up at the Fu Clan’s gate, hung high with red lanterns, her feelings complicated. Though she had once carried Fu Changsheng’s child, the two had shared no feelings. Over a century spent together had clarified her heart.

Things she normally wouldn’t mind—

now stirred a jealous pang she couldn’t quell.

Her gaze landed on Liu Mei Zhen. In that moment, she felt a spark of admiration for this woman.

“Daoist Friend Liu, your magnanimity is like the sea—you even personally arranged your husband’s wedding. I’ll skip the feast inside. I’m leaving Wuzhou. Please pass this gift to Changsheng for me.”

She flicked her sleeve.

A small white box with leaf-vein patterns drifted toward Liu Mei Zhen.

Cao Xianger glanced once more past Liu Mei Zhen’s shoulder, then, with no intent to linger, tapped a toe, rose into the air, and turned to leave.

As she turned,

Liu Mei Zhen’s spiritual sense skimmed the woman’s lower abdomen.

Her lips moved soundlessly.

“Is she… pregnant again?”

But the words were so soft that even Fu Yongqi behind her didn’t hear.

They were just about to close the array—

when a rainbow light streaked in from the horizon.

“Madam,” Fu Yongqi said curiously, “did Lord Cao forget something?”

Liu Mei Zhen shook her head. The newcomer’s aura was not Cao Xianger’s. They waited a few breaths; the rainbow light fell before the archway, the radiance faded, revealing the veiled patriarch of the Ouyang clan.

“Madam,” Fu Yongqi muttered, “why would the Ouyang family come of their own accord?”

Among Wuzhou’s ten seventh-rank families,

the Ouyang clan was the most mysterious—and they kept to themselves.

Why appear today?

“Should we notify the Patriarch?”

Fu Yongqi had heard about the Myriad Phoenix Mountain Range hunt—the Ouyang clan’s idea. Had the clan head not turned the tide, Ouyang would have been the biggest winner. All Wuzhou’s seventh-rank families were wary of the Ouyang and harbored private resentments.

As they spoke,

the Ouyang patriarch stepped forward.

“I heard Patriarch Fu weds today. I, Ouyang, came to offer congratulations.”

Even as he finished,

Fu Changsheng’s figure drifted down.

Seeing Mei Zhen yet to return, he had come to look. He, too, was surprised to see the Ouyang patriarch—but one does not slap a smiling face. He cupped his hands politely. “Patriarch Ouyang is most kind.”

However—

he didn’t invite him through the array.

He knew nothing of Ouyang’s background, and the Kunlun Minor World would open soon. He would not throw his gates wide now.

The Ouyang patriarch didn’t mind and sent a quick voice transmission.

“I’ve come with a deal to discuss with you, Patriarch Fu. Might we speak in private?”

Fu Changsheng’s brow creased.

His first instinct regarding the Ouyang clan was to refuse.

But after a breath’s hesitation,

he inclined his head.

The two figures blurred and appeared in a purplewood grove outside Demon-Subduing City. Fu Changsheng flicked his sleeve; the Heavenly Secrets House flashed out, caught the wind, and grew before settling firmly on the ground.

“Please, Patriarch Ouyang.”

They entered one after the other, and Fu Changsheng sealed the house with a hand seal.

The Ouyang patriarch pondered a moment before speaking.

“Patriarch Fu, the Seventh Commandery King of Jingzhou has passed. You’ve surely heard. I understand the heir is his concubine-born son, Zhou Xuanming. After the Lei clan returned from the Myriad Phoenix Range, they rushed to the Seventh Commandery King’s manor. A few days ago, on their way back, I caught a little rumor.”

Matters of the Seventh Commandery King were no deep secret.

Fu Changsheng was unmoved and gestured for him to go on.

“They say the Lei clan returned with a map of the Kunlun Minor World.” The Ouyang patriarch fixed a bright stare on Fu Changsheng. “According to the Lei clan, the king gave you, Patriarch Fu, a copy as well before he died.”

So that was it—the Kunlun map.

Fu Changsheng hadn’t expected the Ouyang clan to be so well informed—surely they had moles in the Lei clan.

“Patriarch Fu, would you let me copy your map? As for the price—name it. If the Ouyang can produce it, we won’t haggle.”

Fu Changsheng remained unmoved.

If the terrain leaked to the Ouyang clan, that would be one more competitor in the scramble for treasures.

Seeing that, the Ouyang patriarch gritted his teeth.

“Patriarch Fu, those entering the Kunlun Minor World won’t be limited to our ten families of Wuzhou. If you’ll let me copy the map, besides the trade itself, our Ouyang clan will sign a mutual-aid alliance with your Fu clan. In the Minor World, if either side is in danger, the other will not stand by—how about it?”

Those words

actually reminded Fu Changsheng.

He feared not for himself in the Minor World—but clan members would be inside as well. An alliance with Ouyang would not be bad, if they could pay something equivalent to the map.

Noting he was no longer stone-faced, the Ouyang patriarch exhaled.

“Patriarch Fu, have you decided on the price?”

Fu Changsheng smiled.

He would not reveal his bottom line first.

“Patriarch Ouyang, if you want a deal, you’ll have to show some sincerity, no?”

The Ouyang patriarch’s eyelid twitched. Whoever spoke first would show their hand. He hadn’t expected Fu Changsheng to be so steady under temptation. He was the one seeking help; he couldn’t posture.

“Patriarch Fu—have you found a method to refine the fourth-rank demon king’s demon core you hold?”

That made Fu Changsheng’s expression stir.

He truly hadn’t. Otherwise he wouldn’t have left the demon king core idle in the Five Elements Space.

“Our Ouyang clan holds a secret Technique specifically for refining fourth-rank demon cores. Would you trade for it?”

If he could refine it soon,

his cultivation would surely take another step.

Fu Changsheng never dithered.

“Besides the method to refine a fourth-rank demon core, I want one stalk of Heaven Yin Grass.”

Heaven Yin Grass was what the Black Widow needed to awaken her physique.

To cure Ningning,

they needed the Black Widow’s essence blood as the primer.

The Ouyang patriarch frowned.

“Patriarch Fu, Heaven Yin Grass grows only in places of extreme yin. It’s rare in the world—aren’t you making it hard? How about we both take a step back. I’ll substitute a stalk of Profound Yin Grass?”

Profound Yin Grass he had planted in swathes behind the Heavenly Dragon Temple—worthless to him.

“Since Patriarch Ouyang can’t produce Heaven Yin Grass, our deal—”

Fu Changsheng turned to leave without a shred of hesitation.

Seeing he wasn’t bluffing, the Ouyang patriarch bit down and hurried to block him.

“Patriarch Fu, stay.”

Realizing Fu Changsheng was firm, he finally compromised.

“As you say. But I have no Heaven Yin Grass on hand. I do know a place where it grows. In less than three years, it will be mature.”

Seeing Fu Changsheng still silent, he quickly added, “If you don’t believe me, I’ll swear an inner-demon oath.”

At that, Fu Changsheng nodded.

“Good.”

He had accepted the deal.

The Ouyang patriarch grinned with relief. Fu Changsheng was young, but deep of mind. The negotiation had exhausted him. To forestall further hitches, he pricked a finger and drew a blood talisman in the air. It twisted into a bronze compass the size of a palm, its needle wreathed in threads of nether qi.

“Please look, Patriarch Fu.”

He flicked the compass; a miniature map of Wuzhou appeared on its face.

“In the cracked yin-vein beneath the cold pool of Nine-You Valley, three stalks grow each cycle of sixty years. The valley lies on the border of Wuzhou and Jingzhou. Bone-gnawing yin mists shroud the mouth all year. Only by bearing a Profound Yin Jade Talisman can one resist it.

“Forty-seven years ago, our clan harvested a cycle. The new stalks aren’t ripe yet. If the Fu clan can wait three years, I can send people to help pick them.”

He tossed over a jade slip carved with a serpent motif, containing detailed routes and a method to avoid the valley’s “yin golems.”

Fu Changsheng took each item. The inscriptions didn’t look fake. “With this map from Brother Ouyang, my clan can send our own to harvest. No need to trouble you.”

If only three years remained—

Yongwei should be able to force-mature them quickly. Heaven Yin Grass concerned Ningning’s safety. Three years held too many variables; best to pluck it at once for peace of mind.

“Very well. If Brother Fu has questions, send me a message.”

The two were already calling each other “Brother.”

The Ouyang patriarch flipped his palm and produced a roll of beast hide, the demon script on it crawling like living things.

“This is a remnant of the Celestial Demon Transmutation Technique. One must mix zi-hour yin fiend with a cultivator’s essence blood to paint a Locking-Demon Array, then alternately temper with earthfire and heavenly thunder for forty-nine days. During refinement, the demon core will manifest a blood-soul demon phantom that counterattacks. Prepare Soul-Settling Incense to protect your spiritual sense.”

He purposely spelled out the taboos.

If one bears a wood spiritual root, take a Departing Flame Pill first to suppress it—otherwise demon force entering the body can reverse the meridians.

He fell silent,

watching Fu Changsheng intently.

Fu Changsheng patted his storage pouch. A streak of rosy light flew out—a jade slip drifted to the Ouyang patriarch. He had already copied many, ready for his clan.

The Ouyang patriarch snatched it and scanned. Joy broke across his face. “Brother Fu truly keeps his word.”

They took out soul-contracts on the spot, swore an alliance in the Heavenly Secrets House, and each kept a copy.

Now the Ouyang patriarch’s smile felt genuine.

“Today is Brother Fu’s wedding. I came in haste and prepared no proper gift. This small present—please accept it.”

A black wooden casket flew from his sleeve, its lid painted in demon blood with a coiled nine-headed serpent totem. He tapped the lid; a wave of icy fiendish chill seeped out. Inside lay a fist-sized lump of Profound Yin Jade Marrow, ink-dark with a ghostly blue sheen.

“It forms from Nine-You Valley’s yin vein—only one in a century. Use this to suppress the king’s remnant soul when refining a fourth-rank demon core. It will also steady your mind as you comprehend the Celestial Demon Transmutation Technique.”

An unexpected delight.

Refusal stuck in Fu Changsheng’s throat. He smiled and took it. Sweeping his sense over the box, he found a thumb-thick “Heaven Yin Grass rootlet” beneath—though not a mature plant, it still pulsed with ice-crystal yin qi.

They emerged from the Heavenly Secrets House, cupped hands, and departed in different directions. When Fu Changsheng returned to the gate, Liu Mei Zhen hurried up, worried.

“Husband, what did the Ouyang clan want?”

He sent a quick message. Liu Mei Zhen’s brows eased at once. “In that case, perhaps your cultivation can make another step before you enter the Minor World.”

After the feast,

Fu Changsheng entered the bridal chamber.

Red candles flared. In a gilded censer, sinking-wood incense curled like mist.

Yu Qingru sat primly on the gold-painted bed. The pearls on her phoenix crown and crimson robe trembled with each breath.

When Fu Changsheng lifted the bridal veil, candlelight rippled in her autumn-clear eyes—but also reflected a pallor few would notice—an old injury from the Ten Thousand Venoms Grotto.

“Wife…”

Fu Changsheng’s fingertip traced three inches behind her ear; Yu Qingru shivered.

After they drank the cross-cupped wine,

he suddenly scooped her up.

With Yu Qingru’s soft cry, the bed-curtains stirred without wind, twelve layers of merfolk gossamer rippling down. His palm pressed to the yao acupoint at her lower back, and the Imperial Court Dao Body Technique began to move of its own accord. Golden dragon-scale patterns shimmered faintly across his skin.

“What is…?” A warm current climbed Yu Qingru’s spine; yin poison deposited over years melted like snow in boiling water along her meridians. Fu Changsheng sealed her startled lips with a kiss, passing threads of pure yang qi. Their hair lifted despite still air, weaving into a Yin-Yang fish within the gauze.

As robes fell away, Yu Qingru saw stars light at the apertures across her husband’s body. When they finally joined, the lights flowed through their point of union into her, turning into swimming gold threads in her eight extraordinary meridians. Heat surged into the perpetually cold points at her soles. Black silt of blockage along the Kidney channel was devoured inch by inch by gold radiance.

“So the Emperor’s dragon qi truly mends Dao injuries.”

Fu Changsheng watched color return to his wife’s face, his gaze dark.

For a while,

spring filled the room.

At the third-watch drum, Yu Qingru curled in his arms and noticed the vicious scar inside her left wrist was fading. The light roaming Fu Changsheng’s palm had shifted from pale to crimson gold—clearly his Imperial Court Dao Body had advanced again.

Meanwhile,

in “Listening-to-the-Rain Pavilion” to the east of the clan head’s main hall, a roll of unapproved clan affairs jade slips sat on a green-jade table. The “Clear-Heart Incense” from the gilded censer mixed with the gardenia scent outside, yet could not calm the faint tremor at Liu Mei Zhen’s fingertips hidden in her sleeve.

She was holding a gilded pair of scissors over the candle flame.

The bronze mirror reflected her hands undoing her hair—fingers that, in daylight, had coiled Yu Qingru’s black tresses were now pinching a broken strand and feeding it to the fire until it drifted away like a gray butterfly.

Click—the window lattice, swollen by night dew, nudged open a seam. She stared at the full moon hanging from the eaves and, dazed, saw the youth from a century ago—Fu Changsheng under the moon, tying a token at her waist. The warmth of the boy’s fingers then had burned hotter than the earthheart fire crystal in her hand now.

Thank you for reading—what a chapter: fox-blood awoken, vows exchanged, and a deal struck in whispers. If you’re enjoying the ride, please consider supporting me on Patreon—every pledge keeps the translations frequent and polished and helps me tackle longer chapters. I’d be insanely grateful.

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