Chapter 174 : Unveiling the Metallic Earth Vein

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and addressed the assembly, "Activate the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy channels and nodes used to channel and manipulate spiritual power]."

As his words fell, the Chen Clan cultivators present all channeled their energy into the Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to anchor and control a formation's power]. Brilliant light erupted from the array of formation runes, finally forcing open a portal into the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earth-attribute spiritual energy].

"Such dense Metallic Essence Qi [spiritual energy imbued with the sharp, unyielding properties of metal]! It truly is a Third Rank Earth Vein [a high-grade subterranean channel of earth-attribute spiritual energy]."

Gazing into the portal at the Third Rank Earth Vein, Lior Chen exclaimed, his face alight with joy.

The other Chen Clan cultivators also wore expressions of rapturous delight. The potential gains from securing a Third Rank Earth Vein were staggering; its acquisition could cause the clan's foundational strength to skyrocket.

In contrast to the general elation, Eldrin Chen spoke with grave seriousness, "Although a Metallic Essence Earth Vein [an earth vein specifically rich in metallic essence] is not like a First Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in wood-attribute essence, which often attracts life], meaning Demonic Beast [beasts that have absorbed spiritual energy, often becoming aggressive and powerful] should theoretically be rare here, we cannot assume that to be absolute."

"You all guard the entrance. The Clan Patriarch and I will enter first to scout the situation. We will decide our next move based on what we find."

The Old Patriarch also nodded, adding a cautious instruction, "If the situation turns dire after we emerge, you are to seal the Earth Vein immediately."

Chen Elara and the others promptly acknowledged the order, their expressions turning stern and vigilant. Official source: audio-novel`com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Seeing their agreement, both Old Patriarch and Eldrin Chen felt slightly reassured.

With their cultivation levels, if there was only one Purple Mansion, Early Stage [the initial stage of the Purple Mansion realm] spirit beast within the Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of elemental earth energy], they could naturally join forces to subdue it.

If there were more than two, or if the Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian] spirit beast's strength reached the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Purple Mansion realm], they would need to gather everyone to set up a Formation [a structured arrangement of energy channels and artifacts to produce specific magical effects] and then rely on the power of the treasure boat to besiege it together.

If there was a Purple Mansion, Late Stage [the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm] one, then naturally they would have to abandon the attempt and seek help from Heaven's Ruin Mountain.

The Metallic Essence Earth Vein was not like the First Wood Earth Vein. This type of Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of elemental earth energy] rarely nurtured life, and spirit beasts were born here with far greater difficulty than in a First Wood Earth Vein. If a Purple Mansion, Late Stage [the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm] spirit beast appeared, it likely signified that the grade of this Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of elemental earth energy] was exceptionally high.

"Let's proceed."

Having made their decision, the two did not delay. They immediately stepped into the Metallic Essence Earth Vein.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze to survey the surroundings. He found the entire Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of elemental earth energy] barren and desolate, with vast expanses of exposed ore. The air itself was thick with Metallic Essence Qi [the sharp, refining spiritual energy of the Metal element].

Compared to the vibrant, life-filled First Wood Earth Vein teeming with spirit beasts, this place could only be described as bleak and remote.

"Verdant-Striped Iron Ore."

Old Patriarch gazed upon the ore-strewn ground, and a smile immediately blossomed across his face.

Verdant-Striped Iron [a low-grade spiritual metal] was a First Rank Spirit Iron, and could also serve as supplementary material for forging Second Rank Magical Tool. Its value was not particularly precious, but the sheer abundance covering the ground here made it difficult for Chen Thalion to contain his excitement.

After a few breaths, Old Patriarch calmed his emotions, yet still couldn't help but remark, "To find so much spiritual iron just upon entering the periphery... No wonder those Purple Mansion Immortal Clan occupying a Third Rank Earth Vein can be passed down for a thousand years, almost every generation able to nurture a Purple Mansion Ancestor."

"The veins here, and even Heaven and Earth Treasures [rare natural treasures formed by heaven and earth], are surely not few." Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, then continued, "Let us first investigate whether a Metallic Essence Spirit [a spirit born from the essence of metallic spiritual energy] is present. We can have these resources tallied after we secure the place."

Chen Thalion nodded in agreement. Together with Eldrin Chen, he soared into the sky upon his flying sword, heading straight for the depths of the Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of earth-attributed spiritual energy within the land].

An Earth Vein typically spanned only a few hundred Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. The two flew on their swords for the time for an incense stick to burn [a conventional short duration, roughly fifteen to thirty minutes], conducting a general survey of the area. Their gazes then settled upon the peak at its very core.

"We have searched everywhere else. There is no Metallic Essence Spirit."

"Only the very heart of this Earth Vein remains unexamined."

Staring at the distant mountain, both Eldrin Chen and Old Patriarch wore expressions of solemn gravity.

Spirit beings lacked the ability to conceal their auras. Even from several dozen Li-lengths away, they could sense the faint, hazy presence emanating from that lofty peak.

"There are Purple Mansion [a major realm in cultivation, representing the formation of a spiritual core within the body] demonic spirits, but we don't know how many, nor what their cultivation levels are."

"We'll find out by going to see for ourselves."

Confident in their formidable skills, the two of them soared on their flying swords towards the heart of the Earth Vein [a concentrated line of terrestrial spiritual energy].

From a distance of twenty Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], the Metallic Essence Spirit [a spirit born from concentrated metallic spiritual energy] sensed their auras. Two golden figures emerged.

"Two Purple Mansion demonic spirits."

"Be careful." Read the full novel exclusively on audio‑novel.com.

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly as he hurriedly issued the warning.

The auras of those two Purple Mansion demonic spirits were profoundly dense. The leading one, spotting them from dozens of Li-length away, immediately summoned a bolt of golden lightning and hurled it towards them.

"It's the Metallic Essence Divine Thunder [a powerful thunder technique derived from the essence of metal]!"

Eldrin Chen raised his hand, summoning the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a powerful magical sword imbued with separated flame energy]. With a single stroke, he parried the Metallic Essence Divine Thunder, feeling the crackling electricity skitter wildly across the blade of his Flying Sword [a sword enchanted for flight and combat].

"This power is not that of the Purple Palace, Early Stage [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian]," he remarked, his expression shifting slightly.

Only then did he notice that the radiance of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [his lifebound magical sword] had dimmed somewhat. Had it not been for the sword's primary fire attribute and the fact that Separated Flame [a potent spiritual flame] countered metal, the blade might have already been damaged.

Before he could ponder further, the two sides clashed. In the span of mere breaths, both Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch found themselves hard-pressed.

The two Purple Mansion [demonic spirits] before them—one at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage and the other at the Purple Palace, Early Stage—possessed combat power far exceeding their initial estimates.

"Retreat swiftly!"

The Old Patriarch shouted, channeling his energy into the Crimson-Gold Banner of the Three Treasures [a powerful defensive banner]. It unfurled, manifesting the Glazed Diamond Barrier [a shimmering, diamond-hard shield of energy] to block the furious assaults of the two Purple Mansion demonic spirits.

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen activated the Void-Cleaving Boat [a swift flying vessel], and together with Chen Thalion, they soared away from the fray.

The treasure boat was exceedingly fast. Although the Metallic Essence Spirit [a spirit born from concentrated metallic essence] possessed higher cultivation, it could not match their speed. They swiftly carried the two cultivators out of the Metallic Essence Earth Vein [the underground spiritual vein rich in metallic energy].

The moment they emerged from the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy], the Old Patriarch cried out, "Seal the Earth Vein immediately!"

Hearing the command, the several Foundation Establishment Elder presiding over the grand formation acted without delay. They swiftly sealed the entrance to the Earth Vein, trapping the two Metallic Essence Spirit within its depths.

Seeing the grim expressions on their faces, Lior Chen could not help but step forward and ask, "What is the situation inside?"

"The grade of this Earth Vein [a concentrated line of earth-attribute spiritual energy within the world] is likely a Third Rank Middle Grade Earth Vein,"

Eldrin Chen said gravely. Metallic Essence Spirit [a spirit born from a metallic essence earth vein, possessing a rudimentary consciousness] possess even lower intelligence than Second-Wood Demon Spirit [a type of wood-attribute demonic spirit]. For one to cultivate to the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] is exceedingly rare. I fear the grade of the Earth Vein here is even higher than our initial estimate of Third Rank Low Grade.

Upon hearing this, everyone present felt a mixture of joy and apprehension.

The joy stemmed from the fact that a higher-grade Metallic Essence Earth Vein would naturally nurture more abundant resources.

For while a Third Rank Low Grade Earth Vein produces one Geng Metal Crystal [a crystalized form of pure metallic essence] every hundred years, a Third Rank Middle Grade Earth Vein can produce one every sixty years—a significant difference.

The apprehension came from the knowledge that a higher-grade Earth Vein would be more difficult to deal with. Among the two Purple Mansion Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Purple Mansion cultivation level] within, the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage demonic spirit alone would likely pose a formidable challenge for the Chen Clan members.

After sealing the entrance to the Earth Vein, the Chen Clan Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have established their spiritual foundation] held a council within the Mysterious Iron Mountain.

As everyone pondered their strategy, Kael Chen, looking at Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch, suddenly spoke up.

"The two Second-Wood Demon Spirit within this Metallic Essence Earth Vein... I believe we can manage to handle them."

"Hmm?" Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, then he said, "Speak your mind."

Kael Chen possessed a strong drive for advancement. With a calm expression, he stated, "A Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian] demonic spirit is considerably weaker than a cultivator of the same realm, and it likely lacks any formidable magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators]."

"With the cultivation of the Clan Patriarch and Eldrin, joining forces should be sufficient to handle that Purple Mansion, Mid Stage Demonic Beast [a beast that has absorbed spiritual energy and gained monstrous power]."

"With over a dozen Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation, the second major realm] operating two Third-Rank Treasure Ship [a flying vessel of significant power, equivalent to the Purple Mansion realm], and several hundred Qi Refinement Cultivators [the first major realm of cultivation, focused on refining one's vital energy] assisting in unison, we should be able to deplete their mana reserves and ultimately slay that Purple Mansion Initial Stage Demonic Beast." Find thousands of chapters at audio_novel.com.