Chapter 163 : The Verdant City's Vein

Following the map, he flew for over seven thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] more before finally arriving before a city built upon a mountain peak.

"So this is Verdant City?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he descended on his flying sword, landing before the city gates.

Verdant City was one of the settlements closest to Black Eagle Ridge. It sat upon a Third-order Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that channels spiritual energy of the third rank]. Three millennia ago, this land had been the territory of the Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [a powerful demonic beast], but it was later seized by the Verdant Azure Sword Sect [a sect of sword cultivators], who established this city here.

The city primarily served to provide lodging for rogue cultivators within the Vault Heaven Mountain Range, and it was also one of the few cultivation marketplaces within the Verdant Azure Mountains.

Upon entering the city, Eldrin Chen found it housed five to six thousand cultivators. Most were rogue cultivators at the Vital Essence Refinement [the foundational stage of cultivation where one refines their vital life energy] realm, alongside several tens of thousands of mortal residents who also practiced cultivation.

Within the borders of Chu Nation, a Third-order Spiritual Vein in a decent location could typically sustain a population of several million mortals. Yet here, there were merely tens of thousands. This stark contrast highlighted the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Verdant Azure Mountains.

"Esteemed Senior, you seem unfamiliar. Is this your first time in the Verdant Azure Mountains?"

No sooner had Eldrin Chen stepped into the area suffused with the Spiritual Vein's energy than he heard a voice.

He turned to see a Middle-aged Man looking at him, his face wreathed in an ingratiating smile. "This junior has been in Verdant City for decades. My information is absolutely reliable." Support the author by reading on audi0-n0vel.c0m.

"I have all the information you seek, Esteemed Senior."

"Oh? Speak, then."

Eldrin Chen's brow twitched slightly as he tossed a single Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] over.

The man caught it, his face lighting up with joy as he polished it reverently.

Rogue cultivators, lacking any backing, found the path of cultivation exceedingly arduous. For a rogue cultivator like him, stuck at the Vital Essence Refinement Early Stage [the initial phase of refining one's life force energy], the Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] he could scrape together in an entire year might not even amount to three or five whole stones.

Usually, what he earned were mere fragments of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], no larger than a thumbnail. Even then, the majority of his annual earnings had to be spent on the fees to remain within the city.

Otherwise, if he were driven out, not only would he face the dangers of the wilds, but even the source of spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] for his cultivation would become a major problem. Without the aid of the Spiritual Vein [a concentrated underground flow of spiritual energy] within Verdant City, the thin, ambient spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] of the world would make his cultivation progress painfully slow.

From this perspective alone, clan-born cultivators were born into a privileged environment. The value of the spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] a Chen Clan cultivator absorbed each year was not insignificant. If one had to rent a cultivation abode to access such energy, the cost would likely be comparable to their own annual stipend.

Returning to the matter at hand, seeing Eldrin Chen's generous gesture, the man hurriedly led him forward, speaking excitedly as they walked.

"Esteemed Senior, you must also be here for the Ancient Cultivator's Cave Abode [the secluded dwelling place of a powerful cultivator from ages past], correct?"

"An Ancient Cultivator's Cave Abode [a secluded dwelling place used by a cultivator for seclusion and cultivation]?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He replied with an impassive expression, "Tell me more."

As the man recounted the tale in detail, Eldrin Chen gradually grasped the events unfolding within the Verdant Azure Mountains.

It turned out that a few years prior, a rumor had begun to circulate. It spoke of an ancient cave dwelling belonging to a rogue cultivator of the Violet Sanctum realm [the third major stage of cultivation, where one opens a mystical energy center within the body] being on the verge of revealing itself to the world once more.

According to the tale, this cave abode was the cultivation sanctuary of Path Master Mo, a rogue cultivator from a millennium ago. This senior's fortunes in life were said to be utterly Extraordinary. In his youth, he had obtained high-level legacies in both alchemy and the art of Formation [the practice of arranging spiritual energy into complex, powerful patterns for defense, attack, or other effects].

It was precisely by relying on these two signature skills that Path Master Mo cultivated all the way to the Violet Sanctum 9th Tier [the peak of the Violet Sanctum realm, the ninth and final tier], becoming a figure of considerable renown even within the vast Verdant Azure Mountains.

Now, with rumors swirling that this Violet Sanctum Cultivator's cave abode was about to manifest, the entire Verdant Azure Mountains region was set ablaze with excitement. Countless cultivators were scouring the mountains, searching for traces of Path Master Mo's hidden sanctuary.

"A cave abode of a Violet Sanctum Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Violet Sanctum realm] cultivator..."

"...with high-level alchemy and Formation legacies."

A flicker of interest stirred within Eldrin Chen's heart, though his expression remained composed.

After a long moment, he suppressed the thought. Such a legacy was far too precious; it was likely that Violet Sanctum Cultivator [cultivators at the Violet Sanctum realm] would be involved in the search for it.

The risks were simply too great. For him, the true path forward was to purchase the Positive Water Crystal [a crystal imbued with pure water-element energy], refine his Life-Bound Magical Artifact [a magical treasure bound to one's life force], and achieve a breakthrough to the Violet Sanctum [the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] as soon as possible.

After inquiring further about the recent situation in the Verdant Azure Mountains [the Verdant Azure Mountain range] and confirming there were no other anomalies, Eldrin Chen dismissed the guide. He then rented a cave abode to recuperate and restore his True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated within a practitioner's body].

After resting for three days in Verdant City, Eldrin Chen soared into the skies on his sword, entering the territory of Black Eagle Ridge.

Perhaps the commotion caused by cultivators searching for the Ancient Cultivator's Cave Abode [the hidden dwelling of an ancient cultivator] had drawn the attention of the Demon Race [the race of demonic beings]. His flight across Black Eagle Ridge proceeded without drawing pursuit from any Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Violet Sanctum realm].

With no Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast giving chase, and most Foundation Establishment [Foundation Establishment realm] demonic beasts being incapable of flight, his journey was relatively uneventful. Support the author by reading on audio . novel . com.

He flew cautiously at a low altitude, skirting around Spiritual Vein [concentrated channels of spiritual energy within the earth] of the third rank or higher that were occupied by the Demon Race. He flew for over three hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] before finally leaving Black Eagle Ridge behind.

Then, after another two months of travel, he finally traversed the Verdant Azure Mountains and arrived within the borders of the Yan Kingdom.

Upon reaching the Yan Kingdom, he took a deep, steadying breath, only then realizing he had flown nearly two million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters].

Once within the Yan Kingdom, Eldrin Chen proceeded directly to the Yan Mountain Market. This market was established upon a Third Rank Superior Grade [the highest quality tier within the third rank] Spiritual Vein.

This market town also served as the first line of defense for the Yan Kingdom against the Demon Race of the Verdant Azure Mountains. Its strategic importance within the Yan Kingdom was nearly equivalent to that of Scorching Sun Mountain within the Chu Nation.

Of course, compared to the Chu Nation which bordered the Vast and Misty Marsh, the Verdant Azure Mountains harbored far fewer Golden Core Demon King. Consequently, the pressure on Yan Mountain Market was significantly less than that borne by Scorching Sun Mountain and Heavenly Ruins Mountain.

Upon entering Yan Mountain Market, Eldrin Chen wasted no time. He proceeded directly to the largest establishment within the market, the Spirit Rhyme Pavilion.

The Spirit Rhyme Pavilion was an enterprise of the Deng Clan, a Golden Core Immortal Clan from the Yan Kingdom. It was said this clan was the most powerful Golden Core Immortal Clan in the kingdom, boasting a full three Golden Core Cultivator. Their Patriarch was a True Person [a title for Golden Core cultivators] who had reached the Golden Core Late Stage.

"I wonder if the Spirit Rhyme Pavilion has any Positive Water Crystal for sale?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with thought. Without further delay, he stepped through the doors of the Spirit Rhyme Pavilion.

The shopkeeper was an elder at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. Recognizing Eldrin Chen's cultivation level at a glance, the man promptly rose to welcome him inside.

The shopkeeper possessed a keen eye. His first impression was that Eldrin Chen was unfamiliar, and so he spoke with a genial smile.

"Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for cultivators], you seem unfamiliar. You must have come from beyond the Verdant Azure Mountains, I presume?"

"Your discernment is sharp, Fellow Daoist," Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression calm. "To be frank, I have come seeking to purchase a Positive Water Crystal."

The shopkeeper furrowed his brow upon hearing this, stroked his long beard, and shook his head. "Given your cultivation level, Fellow Daoist, and your willingness to traverse a million Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of mountain ranges to reach Yan Kingdom, I presume your purpose is most likely also for the Positive Water Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with pure water-element spiritual energy]."

"Unfortunately, this Spirit Rhyme Pavilion currently has no such item in stock."

"Ah." Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, and he couldn't help but cup his hands in a respectful gesture. "I beg you, Fellow Daoist, to inform me where I might purchase a Positive Water Crystal."

The shopkeeper poured Eldrin Chen a cup of tea and proceeded to explain. "Although the Yan Kingdom is rich in water and wood Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earth and elemental spiritual energy], this item is, after all, exceedingly precious. It is typically only brought out for trade at auctions or Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators exchange rare resources]."

"Every ten years, the Thousand Star Islands hosts a Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] Barter Convention. If you truly wish to obtain this item, you must go to the Thousand Star Islands."

"..."

Emerging from the Spirit Rhyme Pavilion, Eldrin Chen frowned thoughtfully, retrieved a map of the Yan Kingdom, and began to study it.

Unlike the topography of the Chu Nation, the Yan Kingdom was a true kingdom of water and wood. Spanning a million Li-lengths in all directions, the landmass of the Yan Kingdom constituted only about forty percent of its total area.

To call the Yan Kingdom a kingdom was not inaccurate, but it could just as aptly be named the Million-Mile Yan Lake. It was, in essence, a vast Yan Lake, dotted with thousands upon thousands of islands, large and small.

Among these islands, the largest spanned a full hundred thousand Li-lengths, capable of supporting the prosperity of a Golden Core Immortal Clan [a powerful clan whose patriarch has reached the Golden Core cultivation realm]. The smallest were mere dozen or so Li-lengths across, often claimed by Vital Essence Refinement [the first major realm of cultivation, focused on refining the body's vital energy] cultivators.

Within the vast expanse of Yan Lake [a great inland sea], the cyclical flow of water-based spiritual energy nourishes the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earth-element energy], which in turn sustains the islands and fosters the growth of the unique and expansive forests found within the Six Kingdoms of Ji Continent [a major continent divided into six powerful nations].

Consequently, within the Yan Kingdom, cultivators with Five Elements [a balanced spiritual affinity for all five elements] find no shortage of Water Vein [a concentrated source of water-element spiritual energy] or Earth Vein. This abundance leads to frequent travel and trade between the cultivators of Yan Kingdom and Chu Nation, primarily to exchange precious resources like the Positive Water Crystal [a crystal brimming with pure, yang-aligned water energy].

In the past, Varen Wei failed to procure a First Wood Crystal [a crystal containing the essence of primordial wood energy] within the Chu Nation, yet succeeded in purchasing such a treasure within the Yan Kingdom. This clearly demonstrates that acquiring such items is significantly easier within the borders of Yan Kingdom. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel*com.