Chapter 101. Seizing the Dark Iron Mountain (Location) Dojo

Eldrin continued to analyze the terrain, then suddenly furrowed his brow as a flicker of astonishment and doubt surfaced in his expression.

The Third Elder, standing nearby, observed his expression and asked in puzzlement, "What's wrong?"

"This ley line seems somewhat unusual, but upon closer inspection, nothing out of the ordinary can be detected."

Lior shook his head with a faint smile. "The profundity of array formations lies in perceiving the grand design of heaven and earth. The configuration of mountains and rivers within it holds boundless mysteries—it is only natural that you should sense this."

Eldrin nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that this earth vein felt strangely familiar, as if he had encountered a similar 1 before.

Familiar.

Wait, the Yimu Earth Vein...

In the blink of an eye, Eldrin's pupils contracted slightly as a thought flashed through his mind.

Not long ago, he had witnessed the Wood-Type Earth Vein at Celestial Ruins Mountain, yet the mountainous terrain here bore a striking resemblance to that very earth vein.

In stark contrast, a faint glimmer of Eldrin Metal Qi emanated obscurely from within this mountain range, its presence exceedingly subtle.

Even a Purple Mansion Elder would likely fail to detect any anomalies without thorough investigation.

"A vein of Gengold?"

"Could I have been mistaken?"

In an instant, Eldrin suppressed his thoughts. Not only was he currently unable to deduce the precise location of the earth veins, but even if he succeeded—what then?

The Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) was no match for Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location). If there truly were an earth vein here, the Chen Clan simply lacked the strength to claim control over it.

If they were truly discovered, it would only mean cultivating blessings for others, and might even invite a calamity of complete annihilation.

Even if he disclosed the location of this earth vein to Lyra, the Celestial Ruins Mountain lay over a 100 1000 li away. With the beast tide uprising less than 2 decades away, it was unlikely she would be willing to divert their forces to garrison such a distant location.

"Whether it truly exists or not, we must suppress this matter for now. We'll make plans once we possess sufficient strength."

After making his decision, Eldrin turned and declared, "Since we've secured this Mysterious Iron Vein, we must claim this Dark Iron Mountain as our own."

"To ensure nothing goes amiss, I shall remain here to oversee matters. However, I must trouble Uncle Lior (Person Name) to return to Pingyang City and discuss the spirit vein affairs with Grand Elder."

Occupying this spiritual mountain and properly developing the Mysterious Iron Vein was no simple task.

First, a second-order formation must be set up on Dark Iron Mountain (Location). Secondly, it would be best to dispatch 1 Foundation Establishment cultivator and a dozen or so Qi Refining cultivators to guard it. Additionally, spirit fields could be cultivated on this mountain.

This would also allow for optimal utilization of the mountain's spiritual energy. With the full implementation of the fertility policy, the Chen Clan would inevitably see an increase in cultivators in the future. By then, Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location) might struggle to meet the rising demand for spiritual energy. Acquiring this mountain would help alleviate the pressure on Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location)'s limited spiritual resources.

Secondly, mining the Xuan Iron Vein would require a massive labor force. If they were to assign cultivators to the task, it would likely severely delay the cultivation progress of the family's practitioners.

Therefore, it was necessary to relocate some mortals here to establish a city and mine the Mysterious Iron.

Furthermore, to make Dark Iron Mountain (Location) suitable for mortal habitation, a significant number of cultivators would be required to eradicate the venomous insects and ferocious beasts infesting the mountain, as well as to level its rugged terrain.

In the task of reshaping terrain alone, a single Foundation Establishment cultivator could accomplish what would likely take over 1,000 mortals to match.

"Very well." Lior nodded and said without hesitation, "I shall return to Verdant Chariot Mountain at once."

Eldrin nodded, then added after a moment’s consideration, “The matter of migration need not be rushed for now. First, bring over a set of formations.”

"We still need to set up a Mountain Protection Array before we can securely occupy this place."

"Very well, I shall entrust this place to you."

Lior declared, then transformed into a stream of light and flew out of Dark Iron Mountain.

After Lior had departed, Eldrin finally took stock of his gains from the battle. Having slain the second-grade, upper-tier Metal-Devouring Beast, he had obtained a considerable amount of black iron.

He made a rough estimate: that crude black iron rod alone could yield 8,000 jin of refined black iron. If the carcass of the Metal-Devouring Beast (Demon Beast) were refined with true flame, it would likely produce several 1000 jin more of black iron.

Most crucially, after the Metal-Devouring Beast (Demon Beast) consumed massive quantities of black iron, its demon core absorbed the essence and unexpectedly gave birth to vast amounts of black iron quintessence.

This Mysterious Iron Essence was the finest extract of profound iron. If integrated into the Bell of 9 Echoes (Magic Treasure), it would likely refine the bell into a supreme defensive artifact, perhaps even ranking among the most formidable defensive instruments within the second-tier, superior-grade magical treasures.

"When this matter is concluded, I should entrust it to the Old Patriarch and have him enhance the grade of the Bell of 9 Echoes (Magic Treasure) for me."

The thought of soon possessing a second-tier, high-grade defensive artifact to shore up his final weakness brought a look of exhilaration to Eldrin’s face.

With a beaming smile, he sought out Chen Seraphina (Person Name), intending to bestow the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) upon her this time.

The distribution of Foundation Establishment Pills (Spiritual Object) within the clan is determined through comprehensive evaluation of factors including age, cultivation level, merits, seniority, and innate aptitude. It requires meticulous balancing of interests to ensure the decision commands universal acceptance.

There is 1 crucial rule: those under 40 should be chosen for their youth, while those over 40 should be selected for their seniority. This is because achieving Foundation Establishment before the age of 40 grants an additional opportunity to break through to the Purple Mansion compared to ordinary cultivators. Of course, exceptions may be made for those who have rendered truly monumental contributions.

Although Chen Nianxu was also a suitable candidate, he was now placed after Chen Seraphina (Person Name).

Chen Nianxu's grandfather, Chen Changming, had fallen in battle during the last beast tide at just over 1 100 and 20 years of age. By then, he had fully repaid the debt for the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) and left behind over 4,000 family contribution points. Over the years, Chen Nianxu had expended a considerable amount through his cultivation, leaving slightly more than 3,000 points remaining.

With just this amount of clan contribution points, it still fell considerably short of what was needed to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object). The clan generally adopted an enlightened approach, allowing members to acquire it on credit first. Should 1 truly fail in foundation establishment, the debt would simply be written off as bad after their passing, without burdening future generations.

This bad debt was ultimately covered by the clan treasury, depleting the family's foundational resources at a grave cost.

Chen Seraphina (Person Name), however, was different. This Mysterious Iron Vein alone could bring the family nearly a 1000 spirit stones annually. Over the years, the cumulative benefits it had brought to the family far exceeded 100,000 spirit stones.

This contribution was far too astonishing; the disparity in merit between the 2 was simply beyond comparison. Only a substantial reward could truly inspire the clansmen.

Moreover, with Chen Seraphina (Person Name) having obtained the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), even if her foundation establishment were to fail, it would not result in bad debts amounting to over 10 1000 spirit stones, nor would it deplete the clan’s treasury.

Thus, the primary candidate to receive this Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) ought to be none other than Chen Seraphina (Person Name). Moreover, in Eldrin's (Person Name) view, the lingering prestige of 1's ancestors could never compare to merits earned through 1's own efforts—let alone when the disparity was this vast.

At this thought, he smiled and said, "The reason I summoned you today is to entrust you with the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object)."

"But my cultivation is only at the seventh level of Qi Refining." Though she had anticipated this, Chen Seraphina couldn't help saying: "The efficacy of the Foundation Establishment Pill lasts merely 10 years. I simply lack the capacity to ingest this Foundation Establishment Pill."

"Originally, I intended to give this Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) to Nianxu. His ancestors contributed greatly to our clan, and he still has over 3,000 family merit points remaining."

"But this time, you have rendered a monumental service to the family—1 so great it would likely require tens of thousands in merit to measure. I will naturally spare no effort in supporting your Foundation Establishment."

"You'll be 50 after the New Year passes. It's too late for conventional cultivation."

Eldrin spoke calmly as he produced 3 spirit peaches. "After refining these 3 spirit peaches, your cultivation should reach the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining. We'll then find a way to temper your meridians, and within a few years, you should be ready to attempt Foundation Establishment."

"It will require some expenditure, but the merits you have earned are worthy of such investment from the family."

"In that case... my thanks."

Chen Seraphina (Person Name) excitedly accepted the spirit peach, her face brimming with unrestrained joy.

"Don't celebrate too soon." Seeing her exhilarated expression, Eldrin chuckled and said, "I will guard this place for 3 years. If you break through to the Foundation Establishment stage within this period, you'll be tasked with guarding this Dark Iron Mountain range."

"Moreover, after you establish your foundation, should Nian Xu encounter difficulties in the future, you must lend your support."

"Rest assured, I am well aware of this matter."

She nodded, then added hesitantly, "But Elder Cousin Nianxu... I'm afraid he might find it difficult to accept."

"For the family, both you and Nianxu are our own flesh and blood. But the merits you've achieved surpass his by severalfold, leaving us no choice but to make this difficult decision."

"Your path to the Dao is at stake—you should rise to the occasion without hesitation. Besides, this Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) was never rightfully his to begin with." Eldrin (Person Name) smiled faintly and nodded before adding, "The Third Elder has overseen clan affairs for decades. He will undoubtedly resolve this matter properly."

"This time upon returning, I believe he will personally seek out Nian Xu for a conversation."

Just 4 days later, Lior returned to Dark Iron Mountain, bringing back a complete set of formations.

"Greenwood Earth Formation?"

Eldrin frowned slightly as he gazed at the formation before him. Having obtained this array from the Lin Family, he couldn't shake the worry that there might be hidden contingencies.

The Third Elder noticed his expression and shook his head. "Rest assured, Elder Changxuan has spent the past few years thoroughly mastering this formation. These 2 formation artifacts are flawless. Once we redeploy the array, we need not fear any tricks they might have up their sleeves."

"In that case, I can rest assured."

Eldrin nodded and began setting up the formation by drawing upon the earth veins.

He was currently a Second-Rank, Lower Grade Array Master. Crafting a Second-Rank, Middle Grade array might still be beyond his capabilities, but deploying a pre-forged formation posed little difficulty.

It took about 3 days' effort. With the assistance of the Third Elder, they finally completed the formation, securely protecting Dark Iron Mountain (Location). Only then did they breathe a sigh of relief.

"With this formation in place, even if other Foundation Establishment clans harbor ill intentions, they likely wouldn't dare make a move."

After setting up the formation, Lior (Person Name) smiled and said.

He spoke, then hesitated for a moment before continuing, “After I returned, I discussed it with Nianxu. I took it upon myself to promise that if we obtain another Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) in the future, his lineage would be given priority in the exchange.”

"Hmm, since you've made your decision, we shall grant this lineage to him first when a suitable candidate emerges."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, thus settling the matter with finality.

The Third Elder smiled upon hearing this, knowing full well that within the family, only Eldrin and the old patriarch truly had the authority to make such major decisions.

Since they still needed to dispatch cultivators to reclaim spirit fields and station them at the Dark Iron Mountain (Location) dojo, while also arranging for mortal migrations, the Third Elder did not linger. He flew back to Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location) that very day.

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped through the valley, carrying with it the scent of pine and decay. A lone figure sat cross-legged upon a weathered boulder, his simple grey robes fluttering around him. This was Lin Feng, an outer sect disciple of the Verdant Cloud Sect. 1 100 years had passed since he first set foot on the path of cultivation, yet he remained stagnant at the third layer of the Qi Condensation stage. He opened his eyes, their depths reflecting a weary resignation that belied his youthful appearance. With a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of those 100 years, he reached into his worn storage pouch. His fingers brushed against the meager collection of spiritual stones within. Only 30-2 remained. 30-2, where he once needed thousands, then hundreds, and now... now even a dozen or so seemed a distant dream for a breakthrough. "Perhaps this is my fate," he murmured to the uncaring wind. "To toil for a 100 years and achieve nothing." Suddenly, a resonant voice, calm yet penetrating, spoke from behind him. "Disciple Lin Feng." Lin Feng started, scrambling to his feet and turning to bow deeply. Before him stood Elder Wen, his silver hair immaculate, his presence as profound and unreadable as the deep ocean. The elder's gaze held neither pity nor scorn, only a placid intensity. "Elder Wen," Lin Feng greeted, his voice tight with respect and a flicker of shame. "This unworthy disciple apologizes for his lack of progress." Elder Wen's eyes seemed to see straight through him, past the feeble spiritual energy and into the very core of his despair. "The path of cultivation is not a sprint, but a marathon spanning countless lifetimes. Stagnation is not a wall, but a door. The question is, do you have the key to unlock it?" He extended his hand. Upon his palm rested a small, unadorned jade slip, its surface shimmering with a faint, ethereal light. "This is the 'Stellar Genesis Mantra'. It is... different from the cultivation methods you have practiced. It requires not talent, but unparalleled perseverance and a heart willing to endure what others cannot. Many have tried. Most have failed. Some... have broken." Lin Feng's heart hammered against his ribs. He looked from the jade slip to the elder's impassive face. This was no ordinary technique. The aura it emitted was ancient, vast, and carried a hint of terrifying profundity. "Elder, why... why me?" Lin Feng asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Because I have watched you," Elder Wen replied. "I have watched you fail, again and again. I have watched you get up, again and again. That quality is rarer than any innate spiritual root. Take it. Or do not. The choice is yours." Elder Wen placed the jade slip into Lin Feng's trembling hand. The moment his skin made contact with the cool jade, a shiver ran down his spine, a sensation as if countless stars had ignited within his mind. Vague, cryptic characters flickered at the edge of his consciousness. Without another word, Elder Wen turned and walked away, his form blurring and vanishing into the mist-shrouded mountain path as if he had never been there. Lin Feng stood frozen, the jade slip clutched tightly in his hand. It felt both impossibly heavy and feather-light. This was it. This was the crossroads. He could continue his slow, certain decline into obscurity, or he could grasp this mysterious, dangerous opportunity. He looked down at his storage pouch, at his remaining 32 spirit stones. They were barely enough for a month of sustenance with his current method. What did he have to lose? Taking a deep, steadying breath that filled his lungs with the chill mountain air, Lin Feng sat back down on the boulder. He closed his eyes, and with a resolve forged in the fires of a 100 years of failure, he pressed the jade slip against his forehead and poured his spiritual sense into it. The world fell away. The wind, the cold, the scent of pine—all vanished. He was adrift in an endless, dark expanse. Then, points of light appeared, first a few, then dozens, then hundreds, until he was floating in a sea of shimmering stars. The 'Stellar Genesis Mantra' was not a simple sequence of words; it was a cosmic diagram, a map of the heavens etched directly into his soul. It spoke of drawing power not just from the world, but from the void itself, from the nascent energy of stars long dead and stars yet to be born. It was terrifying. It was magnificent. And it was excruciating. As he attempted to guide his Qi according to the first, rudimentary pattern, it felt as though his meridians were being scoured with sand and fire. He gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cold. This was the perseverance Elder Wen had spoken of. This was the endurance. Hours passed, or perhaps it was only moments in this timeless space. When Lin Feng finally opened his eyes, the moon was high in the sky, casting a silvery pallor over the valley. He was exhausted, his body aching as if he had been beaten. But beneath the fatigue, there was something new. A faint, almost imperceptible strand of pure, cool energy now cycled slowly within his dantian. It was different from any spiritual power he had ever felt—sharper, more profound, and infinitely more hungry. He hadn't broken through to the fourth layer. Far from it. But for the first time in decades, he had felt a change. A real, tangible change. A grim, determined smile touched his lips. He looked up at the countless stars twinkling in the night sky. They no longer seemed distant and indifferent. They seemed like a challenge. A promise. The path ahead would be paved with agony. He knew this with a certainty that chilled his bones. But it was a path. "Very well," Lin Feng whispered to the starlit void. "Let us begin."