Chapter 174 Zifu Gengjin Yaoling

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded and said to the assembly, "Activate the formation."

As his words fell, the Chen family cultivators present all channeled their energy into the formation flags. Brilliant light erupted from the array patterns as they finally tore open a portal in the earth vein.

"What incredibly dense Gengjin energy, this is truly a third-grade earth vein."

Gazing at the third-order earth vein within the portal, Lior (Person Name) exclaimed with delight.

The Chen family cultivators on the side also revealed ecstatic expressions. The profits a third-order earth vein could generate were truly staggering—successfully securing it would be enough to make the Chen family’s accumulated resources soar dramatically.

In contrast to the crowd's delight, Eldrin spoke gravely, "Though the Gengjin Earth Vein is not like the Yimu Earth Vein, and in theory, demonic beasts should be exceedingly rare, this is not an absolute certainty."

"You all stand guard outside. The clan leader and I will first investigate the situation before making further plans."

The Old Patriarch also nodded and cautioned cautiously, "If the situation turns unfavorable, you must immediately seal the earth vein the moment we emerge."

Chen Qingwan and the others promptly acknowledged the order, their expressions turning vigilant and battle-ready.

Seeing that they should be fine, both the old clan leader and Eldrin (Person Name) felt slightly relieved.

With their level of cultivation, if there were only 1 Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) demonic spirit within the earth vein, they could naturally join forces to subdue it.

If there were more than 2, or if the strength of the fiendish spirits reached Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), they would need to assemble the group to set up a formation and rely on the power of the treasure ark to launch a coordinated assault.

If there was a Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm), then naturally they could only give up and seek help from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

Unlike the Wood Element Vein, the Metal Element Vein rarely nurtures life. The birth of spirit beasts here is far more challenging than in Wood Veins. Should a Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) spirit beast emerge, it would signify this vein's rank is likely exceptionally high.

"Enter."

Once the decision was made, the 2 of them wasted no time and immediately stepped into the Eldrin Earth Vein.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Eldrin lifted his gaze to survey the surroundings. The entire vein of earth lay barren, exposing vast quantities of ore, while the air itself thrummed with the sharp metallic essence of Geng Jin Qi (Elemental Energy).

Compared to the vibrant Verdant Wood Earth Vein teeming with countless spirits, this place could truly be considered desolate and remote.

Greenvein Iron Ore.

The old clan leader gazed at the ore covering the ground, and a smile instantly bloomed across his face.

Azurevein Iron was a tier-1 spirit iron, which could also serve as supplementary material for crafting tier-2 magical instruments. Though not particularly valuable, the sheer abundance of it scattered across the ground nearly overwhelmed Chen Changxuan’s composure.

A few breaths later, the old clan leader composed himself, yet couldn't help remarking, "To find so much spirit iron just at the periphery—no wonder those Violet Manor immortal clans occupying third-order earth veins have endured for thousands of years, cultivating a Violet Manor Patriarch generation after generation almost without fail."

"The mineral veins here, along with the natural treasures, must be abundant." Eldrin (Person Name) smiled faintly and said, "Let's first investigate whether there are any Gengjin Monstrous Spirits. We can have these resources inventoried after we've secured the area."

Chen Changxuan nodded, then soared through the skies atop his sword alongside Eldrin (Person Name), flying straight toward the depths of the earth vein.

A typical earth vein spans only a few 100 li. The 2 of them soared on their swords, completing a general survey of the vein within the time it takes half an hour of incense to burn. Their gazes then fell upon the central mountain peak at the heart of it all.

"We've searched everywhere else, but there's no trace of the Gengjin Yaoling (Monster Spirit)."

"Only the core of the earth vein remains unexplored."

Gazing at the distant mountains, both Eldrin and the old clan leader wore solemn expressions.

The demon spirits knew not how to conceal their auras. Even from dozens of miles away, they could sense that hazy presence atop the mountain peak.

"There are Eldrin Spirits in the Zifu, but it remains unknown how many there are and what level of cultivation they possess."

"Let's go and see for ourselves."

The 2, confident in their formidable skills, rode their swords toward the heart of the earth vein.

From a distance of 20 li, the Eldrin sensed their presence, and 2 golden figures emerged.

2 Purple Mansion demon spirits.

"Be careful."

Eldrin's expression shifted slightly as he promptly warned.

The 2 Zi Palace demon spirits exuded exceptionally profound auras. When the leading 1 spotted the 2 figures, it summoned a golden lightning bolt from dozens of miles away and hurled it toward them.

"It is the Divine Gold Lightning."

Eldrin raised his hand and summoned the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, blocking the Metallic Divine Thunder with a single strike. He could feel the electric currents wildly coursing through the flying sword.

"This power is not that of the Purple Palace, Early Stage."

His expression shifted slightly as he noticed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) glowing somewhat dimly. Had it not been for the sword's primary fire attribute—and the fact that fire overcomes metal—it would likely have been damaged by now.

Before he could ponder further, the 2 sides clashed. In the span of just a few breaths, both Eldrin and the old clan leader began to sense trouble brewing.

Before them, 2 Purple Palace realm cultivators—1 at Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) and the other at Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm)—possessed combat prowess far exceeding their expectations.

"Retreat, now!"

The old clan leader shouted loudly, activating the Crimson-Gold Banner of the 3 Treasures (Magic Treasure) to deploy the Glazed Vajra Barrier, blocking the assault of the 2 Zi Mansion demon spirits.

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin activated the Void-Cutting Skiff and soared into the sky with Chen Changxuan.

The treasure vessel moved with extreme speed. Although the Gold-Type Spirit Demon possessed higher cultivation, it still couldn't catch up with the 2. Soon, they broke through the Gold-Type Vein aboard the vessel.

No sooner had they flown out of the earth vein than the old clan leader shouted urgently, "Seal the earth vein at once!"

The several Foundation Establishment Elders presiding over the grand formation immediately sealed the earth veins upon hearing this, trapping the 2 Eldrin (Spirit Creature) within.

Seeing the grim expressions on both their faces, Lior couldn't help but step forward and ask, "What's the situation inside?"

"The grade of this earth vein is likely a mid-third-grade earth vein."

Eldrin said with a grave expression, "The Gold-Type Monstrous Spirits possess even lower intelligence than Second-Wood Demon Spirits. For 1 to cultivate to Purple Palace, Mid Stage is exceptionally rare. I fear the leyline grade here must be higher than the lower-third grade I originally anticipated."

Upon hearing this, the crowd felt a mixture of joy and apprehension.

The joy lay in the fact that the higher the grade of the Gengjin Earth Vein, the more resources it would nurture within.

Because a lower-third-grade earth vein could only produce 1 Geng Metal Crystal (Spiritual Object) every 100 years, while a mid-third-grade earth vein could yield 1 every 60 years—the difference was truly significant.

The worry was that the higher-grade earth veins would be even more difficult to deal with. Among the 2 Purple Palace beasts within, the Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) fiendish spirit alone would clearly be enough to overwhelm the Chen family.

After sealing the earth vein, the Chen Clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators convened a meeting at Dark Iron Mountain (Location).

As the group pondered their next move, Kael gazed at Eldrin and the old chieftain before suddenly speaking up.

"These 2 Second-Wood Demon Spirits (Demon Beast) within the Eldrin Earth Vein should be manageable for us."

"Hmm?" Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly. "Speak," he commanded.

Kael possessed a strong drive for advancement. With a calm expression, he remarked, "The Zifu demon spirits are considerably weaker than cultivators of the same rank, and they likely don’t wield any notable magic treasures either."

"With the cultivation levels of the Clan Leader and Eldrin joining forces, it should be more than sufficient to handle that Purple Palace, Mid Stage demonic beast."

"A dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators operating 2 Third-Rank Treasure Ships (Magic Treasure), with several 100 Qi Refining cultivators joining forces to assist, should be able to exhaust their magical power completely and ultimately slay that Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) demonic beast."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind howled, carrying with it the scent of decay and blood. In the dilapidated temple, a youth slowly opened his eyes. "Have I... truly been reborn?" Lin Feng murmured, his gaze sweeping across his own hands. These hands, though calloused, pulsed with youthful vitality. He clearly remembered that in his previous life, he had perished during the Heavenly Tribulation at the pinnacle of the Mahayana stage. Yet now, he had returned to the age of 16, to that fateful year when his family met its tragic end. "Since the heavens have granted me a second chance, I, Lin Feng, swear to reverse all regrets!" His eyes gleamed with a light that belied his youthful appearance. Just then, a burst of raucous laughter echoed from outside the temple. "Lin Feng, you little bastard, did you really think you could escape?" 3 figures swaggered into the temple. The leader, a burly man with a scar on his face, sneered, "Hand over the cultivation technique your father left behind, and we might just spare your miserable life." Lin Feng rose slowly, a cold smile playing on his lips. In his previous life, it was these very men who had forced him into a corner, ultimately causing him to fall off a cliff. But now... "You want the cultivation technique?" Lin Feng's voice was icy calm. "Come and get it yourselves." The scarred man's expression turned ferocious. "Arrogant brat! Since you have a death wish, don't blame us for being ruthless!" The 3 simultaneously drew their long swords, their movements swift and coordinated. They were clearly seasoned killers. But in Lin Feng's eyes, their movements were full of openings. Just as the 3 were about to strike, Lin Feng suddenly moved. His figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye, he appeared behind the scarred man. "Crack!" A crisp sound rang out. The scarred man's eyes widened in disbelief as he crumpled to the ground, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. The remaining 2 men stared in shock. Before they could react, Lin Feng had already snatched up the fallen long sword. "1000 Illusions Sword Art!" Sword light flashed, and in that instant, it seemed as though countless sword shadows filled the air. By the time Lin Feng sheathed the sword, the remaining 2 men had also collapsed, their eyes vacant. Lin Feng expressionlessly searched the bodies, finding a dozen or so spirit stones and a worn jade slip. "Low-grade spirit stones..." Lin Feng shook his head. These things were practically trash in his eyes. But for his current cultivation level, they were better than nothing. His gaze then fell upon the jade slip. After probing it with his spiritual sense, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes. "This is... the Myriad Spirits Devouring Heaven Technique?" This was a demonic cultivation method infamous throughout the cultivation world. In his previous life, he had only heard of it but never seen it. He hadn't expected to encounter it here. After a moment's contemplation, Lin Feng stored the jade slip away. Although this technique was dangerous, if used properly, it could become a powerful trump card. He left the temple and headed toward the distant mountain range. According to his memories, in 3 days, a great event would occur in Blackwater City—the Lin family, 1 of the city's 3 great clans, would be annihilated overnight. And this tragedy was inextricably linked to a secret treasure his father had left behind. "I must break through to the Foundation Establishment stage within 3 days." Lin Feng's eyes held a determined gleam. Only by reaching Foundation Establishment would he have the power to change the fate of the Lin family. He quickened his pace, heading deeper into the mountains. There, he needed to find a suitable place to begin his closed-door cultivation. After an unknown amount of time, Lin Feng arrived at a hidden valley. The spiritual energy here was noticeably denser than outside. "Here it is." Lin Feng sat cross-legged, taking out the spirit stones. He formed a hand seal with both hands and began to operate the 9 Revolutions Nirvana Art. This was a top-tier cultivation technique he had obtained by chance in his previous life. It was precisely because of this technique that he had been able to cultivate to the Mahayana stage in just 3 100 years. As the technique circulated, the surrounding spiritual energy began to churn, converging toward Lin Feng like a vortex. Time passed slowly. Unbeknownst to him, night had fallen. Lin Feng suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing within them. "It's about time." He took out a crimson pill—this was the Qi Gathering Pill he had refined using a secret method before his rebirth. It contained immense spiritual energy, enough to help him break through to Foundation Establishment in 1 go. Without hesitation, Lin Feng swallowed the pill. In that moment, a vast spiritual energy erupted within his body, surging violently through his meridians. The pain was excruciating, as if his body was being torn apart. But Lin Feng remained unmoved. Having experienced the Heavenly Tribulation in his previous life, how could he fear this minor torment? "Break for me!" He let out a low shout, and the spiritual energy within his body instantly condensed, transforming into pure true essence that coursed through his limbs and bones. A powerful aura burst forth from him, startling the birds in the forest into flight. "Foundation Establishment stage, accomplished!" Lin Feng stood up, feeling the abundant true essence within his body, a satisfied smile finally appearing on his face. But just then, his expression suddenly changed. He sensed that several powerful auras were rapidly approaching from not far away. "Interesting." Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. "To think I'd encounter cultivators here."