Family Rise by Daily Intelligence

Chapter 818: Chapter 315: Shadows Over Qianlingshan Town

”Welcome, esteemed Clan Leaders.”

Fu Yongfan hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. The gifts from the three major Eighth-Grade Noble Families were personally presented to Fu Changsheng. Fu Yongfan was only leading the way at the front. However, he was briefly stunned to see that it was not Shangguan Li who came to congratulate but the old Clan Leader of the Shangguan Family.

After the guests took their seats,

Fu Yongfan then sent a message to Fu Changsheng.

Soon, a soft celestial melody suddenly began to play.

Everyone turned their attention to the depths of the Fu Family’s estate.

Amidst the brilliant dawn light, a figure slowly approached.

Fu Changsheng was dressed in a luxurious purple robe, embroidered with mysterious runes that shimmered faintly, gently swaying with his steps. His visage was handsome and composed, with deep, piercing eyes that seemed to contain boundless wisdom and strength. His hair was jet-black and shiny, tied into a high bun, adorned with a jade hairpin emitting a gentle glow, complementing the spirit light on his body.

Following Fu Changsheng were his children and adopted sons. Each exuded an extraordinary aura, dressed in tidy garments, holding spiritual artifacts, their gaze showing reverence and loyalty to Fu Changsheng. They encircled him like stars around the moon, accentuating the Fu Family’s majesty and presence.

Fu Changsheng walked with light and steady steps, as if treading on void without making any sound. An aura of immense power radiated from him, inspiring an involuntary sense of awe. As he gradually approached, the crowd felt a powerful wave of spiritual power, spreading out like a raging tide, causing all present to tremble slightly.

When Fu Changsheng stood before the crowd, he slightly raised his head, his gaze sweeping across everyone present, and he bowed, saying: ”Today, I am humbled by the love and favor of friends, clans, and nobles, gathering here to celebrate my Purple Mansion celebration—Fu Changsheng expresses his deepest gratitude to all of you.”

His voice was sonorous and clear, echoing across the entire square at the Fu Family’s entrance. Imbued with powerful spiritual energy, it invigorated all who heard it. The crowd responded with respectful gestures, saying: ”Congratulations to Fu Clan Leader on achieving Purple Mansion Great Success. Surely, the Fu Family will rise to greater heights and move towards a more glorious future under your leadership.”

Fu Changsheng humbly returned a few words.

Before the celebration began.

The ancestral homage had to be conducted first.

In the embrace of the crowd, Fu Changsheng slowly entered the Fu Family’s ancestral shrine. Inside the shrine, the atmosphere was solemn and austere, filled with an ancient and mysterious aura. Massive stone pillars stood on either side, carved with the heroic deeds and legendary tales of Fu Family ancestors.

Fu Changsheng holding incense sticks in both hands, approached the altar:

”To the esteemed ancestors above, today, your descendant Fu Changsheng, blessed by ancestral protection, achieves Purple Mansion Great Success. Looking back, through trials and tribulations, the Fu Family’s predecessors braved thorns and dangers to achieve today’s glory. I understand deeply that today’s accomplishments are all due to the fortune bestowed by the ancestors.”

His voice was low and powerful, echoed within the ancestral shrine, each word carrying infinite affection and reverence.

”Now, in this ever-changing cultivation world, the Fu Family must continue to advance. I vow to uphold the spirit of our forebears, safeguarding the glory of the Fu Family, leading the clan towards an even brighter future. May the spirits of the ancestors in heaven continue to protect the Fu Family, granting safety and success in cultivation to all clan members.”

Having said this, Fu Changsheng bowed deeply, his forehead touching the ground. His movements were grave and devout, as if conveying his beliefs and determination to the ancestors.

After the homage, Fu Changsheng slowly rose and turned to face the crowd. A trace of a gratified smile appeared on his face as he spoke: ”Today’s celebration is also a reunion for the Fu Family. Dear friends and noble families, having traveled such distances to witness this moment, you have my utmost gratitude. Now, I announce, let the banquet begin!”

As Fu Changsheng’s words fell, the harmonious music resumed. Servants of the Fu Family bustled through the crowd, placing exquisite dishes on the tables. These dishes were meticulously prepared by the Fu Family, using the rarest ingredients and crafted by renowned chefs, releasing an alluring fragrance.

The tables were laden with sumptuous delicacies—thick broths made from spiritual meat, rich and infused with subtle waves of spiritual power. A sip made one feel the flow of spiritual power within; platters of immortal fruits, vibrant in color and exuding a charming sheen, burst with sweet, juicy flavors with every bite, leaving endless aftertaste; and wine brewed with Spirit Grass, its aroma pervasive, smooth on entry with a burst of spiritual power that revitalized the spirit.

Everyone took their seats, indulging in the lavish feast. Throughout the gathering, laughter and conversation flowed as glasses were raised, exchanging cultivation insights and family affairs. The clan leaders of the Wu and Liuu Families sat together, savoring the food as one praised: ”The Fu Family’s celebration is truly lavish, and the dishes are peerless in flavor.”

”Indeed, with the Fu Family thriving and Fu Changsheng achieving Purple Mansion Great Success, their future is boundless. We families must closely follow the Fu Family’s steps to secure our place in this cultivation world,” another clan leader agreed.

The younger members gathered together, discussing their cultivation experiences and adventures.

Midway through the banquet.

Suddenly.

A terrifying pressure shot from the horizon.

Everyone froze, rising to their feet.

...

Near the entrance of the Blood-colored Forbidden Area in Qianling Mountain Town.

Ever since Cloud Dragon Marketplace was breached by a beast tide, cultivators heading to the Forbidden Land have rested here, and over time, it developed into a town.

The town mainly housed cultivators.

However, there were many mortals residing here serving the cultivators.

But.

Unlike before.

At this moment.

The village and town were shrouded in dark clouds.

In the mortals’ alleyway, a dozen households had white banners hanging. The banners gently swayed in the breeze, producing a ”swoosh” sound.

In front of each house, a simple spirit hall was set up. Inside were portraits and offerings of the deceased, the dim candlelight flickering in the darkness, reflecting the grief-stricken faces of the people around.

An elderly man in the alley, Xu Sanhan, had his brows tightly furrowed, seemingly able to crush a fly. His eyes betrayed deep worry and confusion.

Recently, the town’s elders quietly passed away in their sleep, leaving peacefully without a trace of pain. Yet, the successive deaths of more than a dozen old people were shrouded in too much mystery.

They had even asked the town chief to summon an Immortal Master, hoping that his extraordinary abilities could unravel the mysteries. However, after a thorough investigation, the Immortal Master also found no clues, intensifying Xu Sanhan’s growing unease.

Xu Sanhan turned slowly, stepping into his yard with heavy steps. He stood in the center of the yard, slightly raised his head, gazing at the somewhat dilapidated eaves, silent for a long while. Then, he gathered his children together, his eyes revealing a hint of firmness and determination. After pondering for a bit, he slowly spoke:

”You all pack up; I’m afraid the town is no longer safe. After breakfast, we will head to Celestial Wolf City to join your great aunt, and once things settle in the town, we’ll make further plans.”

”Father, what about our painstakingly run tofu shop?” his son protested reluctantly, ”If we don’t operate for long, we’ll lose all our regular customers. Why not, Father, you take Fang’er and others away, as long as it’s only old people mysteriously passing in the town, I... I’ll stay.”

”Stay for what!” Xu Sanhan’s voice suddenly rose, his eyes showing an undeniable authority, ”Listen to me, pack up now! Without life, what is the use of a shop!”

Like Xu Sanhan, many others in town thought the same.

Also troubled by the series of strange deaths, their hearts were filled with fear and unease. For the safety of their families, they chose to leave the once-familiar town, which had now become strange.

However, after leaving Qianling Mountain Town, Xu Sanhan’s family always felt uneasy. Along the way, he frequently turned back, as if something was closely trailing them from behind. That inexplicable sense of unease was like a cloud, continuously hanging over his heart, refusing to disperse.

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