Chapter 179 Mid-grade Tier 3 Earth Vein

"Clang, clang—"

In an instant, several sword hymns resonated as the Thunderbolt Blaze Sword and the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) swept forth once more.

The Eldrin Metal Spirit knew it could not withstand the 2 immortal swords with its physical form, so it chose to endure the attacks from the others in exchange for evading the twin divine blades.

Yet even so, 1 of its arms was severed by the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). The excruciating pain and relentless onslaught of attacks left it utterly disoriented and reeling.

"Now."

In that instant, Eldrin seized the opportunity and unleashed his ultimate move.

A sword cry that shook the heavens and earth echoed between the sky and land. The Great Geng Immortal Sword burst forth with an exceedingly brilliant golden sword radiance.

The sword aura measured over 80 zhang in length. In an instant, it descended with unparalleled sharpness, cleaving through the heavens and arriving directly before the Metallic Fiendling.

The sword radiance flashed like lightning. The Eldrin (Monster Spirit), now at the end of its rope, had no time to flee before its head was severed by the Great Eldrin Immortal Slaying Sword (Magic Treasure).

"Roar——"

A piercing shriek echoed between heaven and earth as a formidable Mid-Stage Purple Palace realm demonic spirit finally met its end, slain by Eldrin within these earth veins.

It is done.

After slaying the demonic spirit, everyone's faces were alight with ecstasy.

Eldrin exchanged a glance with the old clan leader, sheathed 2 immortal swords of exceptional craftsmanship, and collected the remains of the 2 Zifu demon spirits.

After gathering the spoils, the Old Clan Leader instructed Lior (Person Name) and the others, "Dispatch personnel to inventory the output of resources within the vein, then compile them into records and submit the documents as soon as possible."

Lior nodded with a smile and said, "I'll take care of it right away."

Everyone was naturally overjoyed and began inspecting the resources within the vein, while the Old Patriarch and Eldrin ascended the spiritual mountain before them.

This spiritual mountain was the core of the Gengjin mineral vein. After the 2 ascended it, they discovered that not only was the Gengjin energy here exceptionally vigorous, but there was also an extremely abundant concentration of spiritual qi.

"It appears this Gengjin Earth Vein has indeed reached the middle stage of third rank."

Upon reaching the mountain peak, the old clan leader gazed at the shimmering spirit pool before him and could not suppress an ecstatic smile.

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly as he reached out to touch the liquid in the pool. A sharp, piercing energy instantly stung his 5 fingers with needle-like intensity.

Since breaking through to the Violet Mansion realm, his physical body had been tempered day and night by spiritual power, achieving remarkable resilience. For him to still perceive pain, the liquid in this spirit pool must be exceptionally potent.

Though his fingers ached sharply, Eldrin showed no trace of distress—instead, a glint of exhilaration shone in his eyes.

"This must be the legendary Sword Cleansing Pool, I presume?"

Its entire form was crystalline and translucent, with faint sword energy radiating in all directions. This was indeed the Sword Cleansing Pool.

The old clan leader nodded, a deep-seated smile spreading across his face.

The Sword Washing Pond, a treasure that only has an extremely slim chance of forming within a Gengjin Earth Vein of middle-grade third-tier or above. Only in a Gengjin Earth Vein of fourth-tier or higher is there a relatively greater possibility for a Sword Washing Pond to be nurtured.

The spiritual liquid in this pool was of extraordinary origin—it was the legendary 'Gengjin Essence.' Gengjin Essence was an exceptionally unique form of heavenly and earthly essence, a remarkably potent metal-attributed spiritual liquid.

This liquid possessed extraordinary properties, capable of enhancing the quality of metallic materials. It was said that with just a small amount of Gengjin Essence Spirit Liquid, the power of a third-tier immortal sword could be increased by an additional 30 percent.

Moreover, once this spiritual liquid converges into a spiritual pool, it produces the effect of sword cleansing. By immersing an immortal sword in this Sword Cleansing Pool for 3 years, undergoing day and night tempering within the pool, the impurities within the immortal sword will ultimately be completely purified.

After the sword cleansing is complete, the immortal sword's power will increase by 50 percent, its material will become exceptionally pure and superior, and its durability will be substantially enhanced.

"Truly unimaginable—within the Golden Metallic Earth Vein, a Sword Cleansing Pool could actually take form."

"It seems this old man's Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade can also gain a few additional degrees of power now."

The old clan leader stroked his beard, speaking with uncontrollable excitement.

His Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade could not be considered superior, as both its material and forging method were rather ordinary.

When he was building his foundation, he could still rely on the blade to demonstrate his might, but upon reaching the Eldrin Palace, he would likely only achieve ordinary prowess.

Moreover, the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade was crafted from inferior materials. Even if it advances to the third rank, it would likely struggle to withstand the Tribulation Lightning of Magical Treasures when attempting to break through to the fourth rank.

After all, a natal magic treasure forged from second-tier materials has a rather inferior foundation, and a single misstep could cause it to completely shatter under the heavenly tribulation.

The lightning tribulation of a fourth-rank magic treasure is no small matter. It would be best to seek out rare treasures once more, refine them into 1's natal magic treasure, and enhance its power. Only then would there be a reasonable chance of withstanding the lightning tribulation.

Now, this Sword Washing Pond has arrived at the perfect moment. With it, as long as the Old Clan Leader refines and fuses a third-grade treasure like the Taibai Gengjin into the pond...

After another 3 years of tempering in the Cleansing Sword Pond, it would undoubtedly enhance the power of his natal magic treasure significantly, elevating it to a superior third-tier artifact.

Once it becomes a superior third-grade magical treasure, the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) Spirit Blade will significantly increase the odds of surviving the lightning tribulation.

Moreover, with the aid of a superior Lifebound Law Blade, the old clan leader's confidence in overcoming the Golden Core Lightning Tribulation increased by 20 to 30 percent.

Eldrin also wore a smile, for this treasure was not only beneficial to the old clan leader, but also an exceedingly rare find for him.

If the Great Geng Immortal Sword in his hand were to be tempered with this object, its power would likely surge by 50 percent, elevating it to the ranks of the finest immortal swords.

And the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) could also take this opportunity to undergo further refinement and enhance its power.

At this thought, Eldrin took out the spoils from this hunt and handed the Western Extreme Gengjin Immortal Sword to the old clan leader.

"When you reach the Violet Mansion realm, integrating this object into your Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade will undoubtedly cause your natal magic treasure's power to surge dramatically."

"No need."

The old clan chief did not accept it, shaking his head with a gentle smile. "This item is of superior quality. It would be most fitting to bestow it upon your Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure)."

"After all, your Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) is capable of breaking through tier limitations."

Hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) nodded as well, retrieving the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) and handing it over to him.

This time, Chen Changxuan did not decline. Gripping the sword embryo, he smiled and said, "With this Great White Gold Essence and the Sword Cleansing Pool enhancing the power of my Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade, I should no longer be at a disadvantage against fellow Golden Core cultivators when it comes to my life-bound magical treasure."

Eldrin also smiled faintly, his gaze shifting into the distance as he said, "Let's go see the Earth Vein Spring first."

The 2 divided the treasures and, for the moment, paid no further attention to the precious Sword Washing Pond, striding instead toward the very heart of the Gengjin Earth Vein.

The so-called Earth Vein Spring is, in essence, the source within the 5 Elements earth veins. The spring eye continuously draws upon the 5 Elements energy between heaven and earth, perpetually surging forth to maintain the balance within the earth veins.

This terrestrial vein spring was also a place where high-grade treasures of the Precious rank were nurtured within the earth veins. Whether it was the Geng Metal Crystal (Spiritual Object) or third-rank treasures like the Taibai Geng Metal, nearly all were born from these terrestrial vein springs.

The 2 had not walked long before they found the spring of the Gengjin Earth Vein. The springhead was shrouded in a thick mass of Gengjin Qi, from which bursts of Gengjin Energy continuously surged forth.

Eldrin looked up and was astonished to find 3 glistening Geng Metal Crystals within the spring's eye, along with several scattered third-grade precious ores.

Geng Metal Crystal (Spiritual Object), Violet-Veined Auric Ore, Great White Geng Metal...

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled across the snowy plains, whipping fine ice crystals into a shimmering haze. A lone figure trudged through the knee-deep snow, his worn robes flapping like tattered banners. This was Lin Feng, once the proud young master of the Lin Family, now reduced to a mere Qi Refinement Stage third-level cultivator after his spiritual roots were crippled. "Just a dozen or so more miles to the Northern Frost City," he muttered through chapped lips, his breath forming clouds in the frigid air. His fingers unconsciously brushed against the simple storage pouch at his waist, containing his entire worldly possessions: precisely 1,247 spirit stones, 3 bottles of Qi Restoration Pills, and the now-dormant Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). Suddenly, the air shimmered nearby. A cultivator clad in white snow-camouflage robes materialized from the swirling snow, blocking his path. "Halt! The Northern Frost City requires an entry toll of 1 100 spirit stones!" the guard declared, his hand resting on the hilt of his gleaming frost-edged blade. Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "The standard toll is 50 spirit stones. Since when has it doubled?" "The rules have changed," the guard sneered, his gaze sweeping over Lin Feng's modest attire. "Unless you can't afford it, beggar?" Clenching his fists, Lin Feng considered his options. He'd survived countless dangers crossing the Frozen Wastelands, only to be extorted at the city gates? Just as he prepared to argue, a clear voice cut through the wind. "Brother Guard, surely we can show some courtesy to fellow cultivators traveling through this bitter cold?" A young woman emerged from the snow haze, her azure robes embroidered with silver cloud patterns that seemed to shift and glow. She moved with an ethereal grace, snowflakes parting around her as if unwilling to mar her perfection. The guard immediately straightened, his arrogant demeanor vanishing. "Lady Yun Xi! My apologies, I didn't realize..." he stammered, bowing deeply. Yun Xi (Person Name) smiled gently and turned to Lin Feng. "This humble 1 is Yun Xi of the Empyrean Sword Sect. The northern winds grow fierce - perhaps we might enter the city together?" Lin Feng studied her warily. Her cultivation base was profound, likely at the Foundation Establishment Stage or higher. Yet her eyes held genuine kindness rather than the contempt he'd grown accustomed to. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Lin Feng. I would appreciate that." As they passed through the massive ice-veined gates, Yun Xi glanced at his worn robes. "Brother Lin travels light for journeying through the Frozen Wastelands." "Those who have lost everything travel lightest of all," Lin Feng replied cryptically. Yun Xi's eyes sparkled with interest. "The Empyrean Sword Sect is always seeking talented individuals. With your determination to cross the Wastelands alone, you must possess remarkable willpower." She produced a jade token etched with a sword piercing through clouds. "Our recruitment trials begin in 3 days. Consider it." Accepting the token, Lin Feng felt a faint spiritual energy emanating from it. "Why extend this opportunity to a stranger?" "Because," she said softly, leaning closer, "I sense the dormant power within you. Like embers waiting for the right wind to blaze anew." With a final smile, she turned and disappeared into the crowded streets, leaving Lin Feng standing alone with the jade token warming in his palm. Finding a modest inn called the Frostbitten Plum, Lin Feng secured a room and activated basic sound-proofing wards. Sitting cross-legged on the hard bed, he finally examined the mysterious bronze mirror he'd discovered in an ancient ruin during his journey. The artifact appeared ordinary, its surface clouded with age. But when he channeled a wisp of spiritual energy into it, brilliant golden characters erupted into the air: [Grand Primordial Chaos Art (Celestial Grade Cultivation Method)] [Current Progress: Third Level of Qi Refinement] [Compatible Constitution Detected: Primordial Chaos Body (Dormant)] [Initiating Awakening...] A searing heat exploded through Lin Feng's meridians, far more intense than anything he'd experienced before. The dormant spiritual power that had lain stagnant since his injury now surged like a raging torrent, crashing against the blockages in his pathways. Gritting his teeth, he guided the torrent through his meridians according to the mysterious method's instructions. The pain was excruciating - like molten metal flowing through his veins - but he endured. For the first time in 3 years, he felt the barriers that had confined him beginning to crack. Hours later, Lin Feng opened his eyes, his body coated in a layer of black impurities expelled during the purification process. The room shimmered with residual spiritual energy. He flexed his fingers, sensing the power coursing through him - he'd not only broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refinement but had stabilized his foundation. A slow smile spread across his face. The world thought him finished, a crippled cultivator destined for obscurity. But now, holding the bronze mirror that glowed with soft light, Lin Feng knew different. His journey was just beginning.