My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chu Lengyu acted swiftly and decisively, personally taking action to capture the remaining three kings and seven dukes in the shortest possible time, and imprison them all.

Even the Empress's maternal family—the Duke of Li's mansion—was not spared from disaster.

Of course, besides these princes and nobles, she also spared no other important officials or business associations involved.

Before anyone could react, the Jingzhao Prefecture had already posted a document, clearly announcing the result to the world.

His writing is sharp and incisive, each word like a sword, directly pointing to the numerous crimes committed by these powerful figures.

Embezzling public funds is like a rat devouring a granary; such actions are shameful and their intentions are despicable.

Their collusion with the Rong tribes and their clandestine trade reveal their treacherous intentions.

They encroached on the people's land and houses, causing them to live in misery; or they disregarded human life, leaving innocent souls scattered everywhere.

Their crimes are too numerous to count, and they arouse the wrath of both gods and men. They should be severely punished without exception as a warning to others.

Therefore, those who commit minor offenses are heavily fined and stripped of their titles and emoluments as a form of punishment; those who commit serious offenses are stripped of their property and their entire clan is exterminated, with absolutely no leniency shown.

One after another, the luxurious mansions of princes were seized, and the once high-ranking nobles were stripped of their finery and put in shackles.

From then on, the once powerful and influential Four Kings and Eight Dukes were completely reduced to dust and scattered with the wind.

The public was in an uproar and discussing the matter extensively.

When the people heard the news, they rushed to watch the process of these noble families being imprisoned and in distress, and many people applauded and cheered.

"Have you heard? The Chu State Preceptor has eliminated all those corrupt nobles and officials. It's truly gratifying!"

"Yes, these nobles have been throwing their weight around all day, and now someone can finally teach them a lesson!"

Some people are worried that this incident will affect their peaceful lives.

"Although the Chu State Preceptor has eliminated corrupt officials, won't such a major move cause instability in the court?"

"We ordinary people just want to live a peaceful life, and hope that this won't affect us."

"Is she really just doing what's best for us ordinary people? Or does she have her own motives?"

"Who knows? Things in the court are too complicated. As long as it doesn't affect our crops and business, it's fine."

Outside of the capital city, most people in the Great Xia were curious about the new national advisor and wanted to know what kind of person she was.

Do all the legendary gods, demons, and monsters really exist?

……

There are many disturbances from the outside world.

Chu Lengyu returned to the Pine Forest Cottage alone.

She gently stroked the rough bark of the old pine tree in the courtyard, as if she could feel the marks that time had etched on it. Looking at the still peaceful and beautiful scenery in front of her, she breathed a sigh of relief, and her mood lightened a little.

Chu Lengyu changed back into her usual clothes, sat on her usual futon, and, amidst the sound of the pine forest, closed her eyes, focused her mind, and quietly meditated.

Since breaking through to the Golden Core stage a few days ago, she hasn't had the time to calm down and cultivate in seclusion.

The tribulation lightning and demonic energy put considerable pressure on her. Because she was worried that there was other demonic energy hidden outside, she had been inspecting the territory without stopping. Now she finally had a moment of leisure.

During these past few days of travel, Chu Lengyu has reflected many times and summarized the shortcomings in her experience and methods of fighting.

She can make up for her lack of combat skills with the help of the Nine Cauldrons and system rewards, but it seems that the only way to deal with her lack of experience is to lower her cultivation level and spar with cultivators from the Misty Mountain.

Whether from Lu Danshi's description or from testing Fu Wenshen, Chu Lengyu realized that although the people of Wushan had a low level of cultivation, they still had merit in honing their skills.

But she needs to face the pressure between life and death, and even lowering her cultivation level isn't enough... Chu Lengyu pondered.

Looking inward at the dantian, the golden core rotates quietly, radiating a warm yet powerful light.

—She was already a Golden Core cultivator with a lifespan of five hundred years, which made Chu Lengyu sigh.

However, the gap between the Golden Core stage and the Nascent Soul stage is enormous, practically worlds apart. It's important to know that:

When the elixir is completed, one is called a True Person; having attained the true meaning, one is still human.

When the infant is fully formed, he is called the True Lord, whose true meaning is complete; he is the ruler of one person! (Note 1)

In the cultivation world, Golden Core cultivators are considered the backbone of the force, and in many cultivation sects, they are elders.

A lifespan of around five hundred years gives Golden Core cultivators ample time to cultivate and pursue higher realms.

Although the spells of Golden Core cultivators are far more powerful than those of Foundation Establishment cultivators, and they can initially manipulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to unleash some amazing supernatural abilities.

However, when facing Nascent Soul stage cultivators, Golden Core stage cultivators are still "ants".

Nascent Soul stage cultivators are among the top in the cultivation world, often respectfully addressed as "Ancestors." They are the core strength of major sects, and each one is capable of influencing the landscape of a region.

Its lifespan has skyrocketed to over a thousand years, making it a monster.

In addition, Nascent Soul cultivators can manipulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth at will, unleashing all sorts of astonishing supernatural powers that are far beyond the reach of Golden Core cultivators, enough to kill with a single blow.

Moreover, Nascent Soul stage cultivators have more methods; they can not only teleport, tear through the void, and traverse space, but also have a Nascent Soul as a second life.

Although the Golden Elixir has been achieved, the path of cultivation is endless.

The road ahead is long and arduous; she still needs to work hard.

A wider world lies ahead, waiting for her to explore.

Chu Lengyu slowly opened her eyes. Beneath her long eyelashes, her clear, watery eyes reflected the lush pine trees and drifting clouds around her—a scene of tranquility and vastness.

What is its essence? Spring plum blossoms blooming in the snow.

How still it is! A pine tree grows in an empty valley. (Note 2)

She finished her meditation, took out a tea set, and brewed tea in the secluded mountain valley, enjoying the sound of the spring flowing through the bamboo path, washing away the dust of the world and soothing her mind. (Note 3)

_______________________

Note 1: These two sentences are excerpted from a novel on Qidian, but I didn't remember the title. The anti-piracy measures are too good; it can't be found on Baidu.

Note 2: From Cao Xueqin's "Ode to the Fairy Disenchantment" (Chapter 5 of *Dream of the Red Chamber*). Another line in the parallel structure, "How beautiful she is! Like rosy clouds reflected in a clear pond," is also very beautiful and evocative.

Note 3: Adapted from Xiang Hongzuo's "Qitianle Nine Poems No. 7" and Zhang Yan's "Feng Rusong".