Chapter 101 : A Vein of Hidden Power

Eldrin Chen continued his analysis of the terrain's configuration, his brow suddenly furrowing as a flicker of doubt and suspicion crossed his features.

The Third Elder beside him, adept at reading expressions, inquired with a puzzled tone, "What is it?"

"This Earth Vein [a concentrated flow of terrestrial spiritual energy within the earth] seems somewhat anomalous, yet upon closer inspection, I cannot pinpoint anything specific."

Lior Chen shook his head, offering a slight smile. "The profound mystery of the Formation Dao lies in discerning the grand configurations and creative forces of heaven and earth. The disposition of mountains and rivers holds boundless subtleties. It is quite normal for you to sense something."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet a persistent feeling nagged at him—this Earth Vein felt familiar, as if he had encountered a similar one before.

"Familiar."

"Wait... the First Wood Earth Vein..."

In an instant, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, a realization flashing through his mind.

Not long ago, he had witnessed the First Wood Earth Vein at Celestial Ruins Mountain. The mountainous disposition here bore a striking resemblance to that Earth Vein.

The difference was that within this mountain range, an exceedingly faint wisp of Metallic Essence Qi [the spiritual energy of the Metal element, sharp and unyielding] emanated forth, its presence so subtle it was nearly imperceptible. This chapter is provided by site: audio-novel.com. Support the original.

Even a Purple Mansion Ancestor [a cultivator who has opened the Purple Mansion, the third major realm of cultivation], if they did not investigate meticulously, might very well fail to detect any anomaly.

"A Metallic Essence Earth Vein [a subterranean spiritual vein rich in the energy of the Metal element]?"

"Or was my perception mistaken?"

In an instant, Eldrin Chen suppressed the thought. Leaving aside the fact that he currently had no means to accurately divine the precise location of an Earth Vein [a subterranean conduit of concentrated spiritual energy], what could he possibly do even if he did pinpoint it?

The Chen Immortal Clan was not Celestial Ruins Mountain. If there truly was an Earth Vein here, the strength of the Chen Clan was utterly insufficient to claim and hold such a site.

Should it actually be discovered, it would likely become a prize for others, a dowry sewn by their own hands, and might even invite a calamity of clan extermination.

Even if he were to inform Lyra Jiang of this potential Earth Vein location, Celestial Ruins Mountain lay over a hundred thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] away. With the Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts] less than twenty years away, she would likely be unwilling to disperse her forces to garrison such a distant location.

"Regardless of whether it truly exists or not, I must suppress this knowledge for now. I shall make plans once I possess sufficient strength in the future."

Having made his decision, Eldrin Chen turned and declared, "Now that we have secured this Mysterious Iron Vein [a vein of Mysterious Iron, a spiritual metal], we must occupy Dark Iron Mountain."

"To guard against mishap, I will remain here to oversee matters. I must trouble you, Uncle Lior, to return to Pingyang City and discuss the affairs of the ore vein with the Old Granduncle."

To claim this spiritual mountain and properly develop the Mysterious Iron Vein is no simple task.

First, a Second Rank Formation [a defensive or supportive magical array of moderate power] must be established upon Dark Iron Mountain. Secondly, it would be best to station a Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] cultivator along with over a dozen Qi Refinement Cultivators [cultivators in the first realm, refining their vital energy] to guard it. This would also allow for the opening of Spirit Farmland [fields nourished by spiritual energy to grow special crops] upon the mountain.

This would make efficient use of the mountain's spiritual energy. With the clan's policy encouraging population growth, the number of Chen Clan Cultivators will only increase. In time, the spiritual energy of Verdant Chariot Mountain will become insufficient. Possessing this mountain will help alleviate the strain on Verdant Chariot Mountain's spiritual resources.

Furthermore, mining the Mysterious Iron Vein will require a significant labor force. If cultivators were tasked with the digging, it would severely impede their precious cultivation time.

Therefore, we must also relocate some mortals here to establish a settlement and mine the Mysterious Iron.

Beyond that, to make Dark Iron Mountain habitable for mortals, many cultivators will be needed to clear the mountain of venomous insects and fierce beasts, and to level the rugged terrain.

Just the task of reshaping the land—if left to mortals—would likely require a thousand of them to match the efficiency of a single Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

"Understood," Lior Chen nodded, his reply crisp. "I shall return to Verdant Chariot Mountain at once."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. After a moment's thought, he added, "The matter of relocating mortals can wait. First, we must acquire a set of formation tools."

"We must erect a Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array designed to protect an entire mountain stronghold]. Only then can we securely claim this place."

"Very well. I leave this place in your hands."

With those words, Lior Chen transformed into a streak of flowing light and soared out of Dark Iron Mountain.

Only after Lior Chen had departed did Eldrin Chen begin to examine the spoils of this battle. In this fight, he had slain a Second Rank High Grade Metal-Devouring Beast [a demonic beast that consumes metal ores to strengthen itself], acquiring a considerable amount of Mysterious Iron [a rare, spiritually conductive metal ore].

He estimated that the crude great staff made of Mysterious Iron alone could be smelted to yield eight thousand Jin-weight [one Jin-weight equals zero point five kilograms] of the metal. Furthermore, if the carcass of the Metal-Devouring Beast were refined using his True Flame [a pure, potent flame cultivated for alchemy and artificing], it would likely yield several thousand more Jin-weight of Mysterious Iron.

Most crucially, after devouring vast quantities of Mysterious Iron, the beast's Demonic Beast Inner Core [the condensed spiritual core of a demonic beast] had absorbed the ore's essence, miraculously giving birth to a large quantity of Mysterious Iron Essence [the most refined, potent essence of Mysterious Iron].

This Mysterious Iron Essence represented the supreme essence of Mysterious Iron. If this material were fused into the Bell of Nine Echoes, it would likely be sufficient to refine the bell into a top-tier Defensive Magical Tool [a magical artifact specialized for protection]. Its defensive power would likely rank among the foremost even within the category of Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool. Your portal to cultivation novels: https://audio-novel.com.

"Once matters here are settled, I can entrust this to Old Patriarch and have him enhance the grade of the Bell of Nine Echoes for me."

Envisioning the imminent possession of a Second Rank High Grade Defensive Magical Tool, which would patch the final weakness in his arsenal, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of exhilaration.

With a broad smile, he summoned Chen Seraphina. This time, he intended to hand the Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious pill that aids in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm] over to her.

The clan's distribution of Foundation Establishment Pill required careful consideration of multiple factors: age, cultivation level, contributions, seniority, and innate aptitude. Only through such balanced deliberation could a decision be reached that would satisfy everyone and maintain harmony.

There exists a crucial principle: before the age of forty, prioritize the young; after forty, prioritize the elderly. This is because achieving a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment realm [the second major stage of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] before forty grants one an additional chance to later break through to the Purple Mansion realm [the third major stage, where one opens a spiritual palace within their dantian] compared to ordinary cultivators. Of course, if someone truly performs a heaven-shaking, monumental service for the clan, this rule can be reconsidered.

Although Chen Silvan is also a suitable candidate, he is currently ranked behind Chen Seraphina in the order of consideration.

Chen Silvan's grandfather, Chen Changming, was just over one hundred and twenty years old when he fell in battle during the last Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic invasion of demonic beasts that threatens human settlements]. By that time, he had already repaid the debt for his Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious elixir that significantly increases the chance of successfully establishing one's foundation] and left behind over four thousand Clan Merit Points [a points-based credit system within the clan used to exchange for resources]. Over the years, Chen Silvan has expended a considerable amount on his cultivation, leaving a remainder of just over three thousand points.

With this amount of Clan Merit Points alone, there is still a significant shortfall to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill. The clan is generally quite lenient, allowing members to take on debt first. If one truly fails their Foundation Establishment attempt, the debt is simply written off as bad after their death; it does not pass down to burden their descendants.

This bad debt is absorbed by the family's Clan Treasury [the central repository for the clan's wealth and resources], consuming the clan's accumulated reserves. The cost of this is exceedingly severe.

Chen Seraphina's case is entirely different. The Mysterious Iron Vein [a mine yielding a special spiritual iron used in crafting] she discovered brings the clan nearly one thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] in revenue each year. Accumulated over the years, the benefits she has delivered to the clan far exceed one hundred thousand Spirit Stone.

This contribution is utterly staggering. The disparity in merit between the two candidates is simply incomparable. Such service must be heavily rewarded to properly motivate other clan members.

Furthermore, if Chen Seraphina receives the Foundation Establishment Pill and even if her Foundation Establishment attempt fails, it will not create a bad debt of over ten thousand Spirit Stone, thus not depleting the Clan Treasury.

Therefore, the first right to this Foundation Establishment Pill should, by all reason, fall into Chen Seraphina's hands. Moreover, in Eldrin Chen's view, the lingering shade of ancestral favor carries less intrinsic worth than contributions earned through one's own efforts—let alone when the gap is this vast.

Thinking this, he smiled and said, "The reason I summoned you today is to entrust the Foundation Establishment Pill to you."

"But my cultivation is only at the Qi Refinement Seventh Layer." Although she had anticipated this, Chen Seraphina could not help but say: "The efficacy of a Foundation Establishment Pill [a rare pill that aids in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm] lasts only ten years. I simply lack the capability to refine this pill."

"Originally, I intended this Foundation Establishment Pill for Silvan. His ancestors contributed greatly to the clan, leaving him with three thousand Clan Merit Points [a points-based credit system within the clan]."

"However, your service to the clan this time is monumental, your merit likely measured in the tens of thousands. Naturally, I will support your Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their Dao foundation] with all my resources."

"You will be fifty after the Year's End [the traditional end-of-year celebration and accounting period]. Following the normal path, time would not be on your side."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, producing three Spirit Peach [a spiritual fruit that enhances cultivation]. "After refining these three peaches, your cultivation should reach the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Qi Refinement realm]. Then we will find a way to temper your meridians. Within a few years, you should be ready to attempt Foundation Establishment."

"It will require some expenditure, but the merit you have earned warrants such an investment from the clan."

"In that case... my deepest thanks."

Chen Seraphina accepted the Spirit Peach with trembling hands, her face alight with unrestrained joy.

"Do not celebrate too soon." Seeing her excitement, Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. "I will guard this place for three years. If you break through to Foundation Establishment by then, the duty of guarding the Mysterious Iron Vein [a vein of mystical iron ore used in crafting magical tools] will fall to you."

"Moreover, once you achieve Foundation Establishment, should Silvan ever face difficulties in the future, you must lend him your aid."

"Rest assured, I understand this matter well."

She nodded, then added hesitantly, "It's just that Silvan might find it difficult to accept."

"For the clan, you and Silvan are both precious, like the palm and the back of the hand. However, the merits you have established surpass his by severalfold. In such a situation, a choice must be made."

"This concerns your path of cultivation [the journey of spiritual and physical ascension]. You should rightfully step forward without yielding. Furthermore, this Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious elixir that aids in solidifying one's cultivation foundation] was never truly his to begin with." Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and a nod, continuing, "Third Elder has overseen clan affairs for many years. He will undoubtedly handle this matter properly."

"Upon returning, I believe he will personally speak with Silvan."

Merely four days later, Lior Chen returned to Dark Iron Mountain, bringing with him a complete formation set [a collection of enchanted tools and flags used to create a specific magical effect or barrier].

"Verdant Wood Earth-Fortress Formation [a defensive formation that harmonizes the energies of wood and earth to create a fortified barrier]?"

Eldrin Chen examined the formation before him, a slight frown creasing his brow. This set originated from the Lin Clan, and he worried it might contain hidden contingencies.

Seeing his expression, Third Elder shook his head. "Set your mind at ease. Over these past few years, Uncle Thalion has thoroughly mastered the intricacies of this formation. These two formation tools are sound. Once we dismantle and re-establish the formation ourselves, any potential backdoors they planted will be rendered useless."

"That puts my heart at rest."

Eldrin Chen nodded and began to set up the formation by relying on the Earth Vein [a concentrated line of earth-attributed spiritual energy within the earth].

Although he was currently a Second Rank Low Grade Formation Master, crafting a Second Rank Middle Grade Formation might still be beyond him, but activating and arranging a pre-made formation was not difficult.

After spending roughly three days, with the assistance of the Third Elder, he successfully deployed the formation, firmly securing the defenses of the Mysterious Iron Mountain Dao Field. Only then did he allow himself to relax.

"With this formation in place, even if other Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan with cultivators who have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] harbor any designs, they will likely think twice before acting."

After completing the formation's deployment, Lior Chen said with a smile.

He paused, then continued with a hint of hesitation, "After I returned, I spoke with Silvan. I took it upon myself to promise that if another Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious elixir that aids a cultivator in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm] becomes available, his lineage would have priority in exchanging for it."

"Very well. Since you have made this decision, then when a suitable candidate arises, it shall go to his lineage first."

Eldrin Chen nodded, thus finalizing the matter.

Hearing this, the Third Elder broke into a smile. He understood that within the clan, the true authority to decide such significant matters rested solely with Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch.

As they still needed to dispatch cultivators to cultivate the Spirit Farmland [fields nourished by spiritual energy to grow special crops] and garrison the Mysterious Iron Mountain Dao Field, and also arrange for the migration of mortals, the Third Elder did not linger. He flew back to Verdant Chariot Mountain that very day. Dive deeper into the Dao at www . audio-novel.com.