Chapter 174 : Unveiling the Golden Earth Vein

"Mm-hmm."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and addressed the assembled group. "Activate the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, cultivation, or other purposes]."

As his words fell, the Chen Clan cultivators present all channeled energy into their Formation Flag [a flag used as a focal point to control and power a formation]. Brilliant light erupted from the intricate array patterns, finally forcing open a portal into the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy].

"Such a dense concentration of Essence of Metallic Gold [a refined spiritual essence embodying the sharp, unyielding properties of metal]. It truly is a Third-Rank Earth Vein [a high-grade spiritual energy source]."

Gazing into the portal at the Third-Rank Earth Vein, Lior Chen spoke with evident delight.

The other Chen Clan cultivators nearby also revealed expressions of wild joy. The potential gains from securing a Third-Rank Earth Vein were staggering; successfully claiming it would cause the clan's foundation and resources to skyrocket.

In contrast to the general elation, Eldrin Chen spoke gravely. "Although a Metallic Gold Earth Vein [an earth vein aligned with the metal element] is not like a Supple Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein aligned with the wood element], and demonic beasts should theoretically be rare here, that is not an absolute guarantee."

"You all guard the entrance. The Patriarch and I will go in 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 dangerous, seal the Earth Vein immediately upon our return."

Upon hearing this, Verdant Grace Chen and the others quickly acknowledged the order, their expressions turning serious and vigilant as they prepared for any eventuality. Find thousands of chapters at audio-novel .c om.

Seeing their likely departure, both Old Patriarch and Eldrin Chen felt a measure of relief settle within them.

With their cultivation levels, if the Earth Vein [a vein of concentrated spiritual energy within the earth] harbored only a single Demon Spirit [a malevolent entity born from corrupted spiritual energy] at the Violet Sanctum Early Stage [the first major stage within the Violet Sanctum realm], they could naturally join forces to subdue it.

If there were more than two, or if the Demon Spirit possessed strength at the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage, they would need to rally the others to set up a Formation [a structured array that channels and amplifies spiritual energy for combat or defense] and rely on the power of their treasure ship for a coordinated siege.

Should a Violet Sanctum Late Stage entity be present, then they would have no choice but to abandon the attempt and seek aid from Heavenly Ruins Mountain.

The Metallic Gold Earth Vein was unlike the Supple Wood Earth Vein. Such Earth Vein were inhospitable to life, making the birth of Demon Spirit far more difficult. The appearance of a Violet Sanctum Late Stage Demon Spirit would signify that this Earth Vein was likely of a remarkably high grade.

"Let us proceed."

Decision made, they wasted no time and stepped into the Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze. The entire Earth Vein stretched before him, barren and desolate, exposing vast quantities of raw ore. The very air was thick with the sharp, metallic tang of Essence of Metallic Gold [a potent spiritual essence embodying the properties of metal].

Compared to the Supple Wood Earth Vein, teeming with vibrant life and Demon Spirit, this place was a stark and lonely wilderness.

"Verdant Vein Iron Ore."

Old Patriarch gazed at the ore scattered across the ground, a smile immediately blooming on his face.

Verdant Vein Iron was a First-Rank Spiritual Iron [a basic grade of metal infused with spiritual energy], which could also serve as supplementary material for forging Second Rank Magical Artifact [enchanted artifacts of the second rank]. Its value was not particularly high, but the sheer abundance of it here made even Eternal Profound Chen struggle to contain his excitement.

After a few breaths, Old Patriarch calmed his emotions but still couldn't help remarking, "To find so much spiritual iron just upon entering the periphery... No wonder those Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [immortal clans whose patriarchs have reached the Violet Sanctum realm] who occupy Third-Rank Earth Vein [a spiritual land pulsating with earth energy of the third rank] can pass down their legacies for a thousand years, almost always managing to nurture a Violet Sanctum Patriarch [a clan leader who has reached the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] in every generation."

"The mineral veins here, and likely the natural treasures as well, must be plentiful," Eldrin Chen said with a composed smile. "Let us first investigate whether a Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [a spirit beast formed from condensed metallic and earth energies] is present. We can have these resources tallied after we secure the area."

Eternal Profound Chen gave a nod. Together with Eldrin Chen, he soared into the sky upon his flying sword, heading straight for the depths of the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel rich with concentrated earth-type spiritual energy].

An Earth Vein typically spanned only a few hundred Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. The two of them, flying on their swords, had roughly scoured the entire vein within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn [a conventional short duration, roughly fifteen to thirty minutes]. Their gazes then settled upon the mountain at its very core.

"We have searched everywhere else. There is no sign of the Metallic Gold Earth Spirit."

"That leaves only the heart of the Earth Vein itself, which we have yet to investigate."

Staring at the distant peak, both Eldrin Chen and Old Patriarch wore expressions of grave seriousness.

Demon Spirit [spiritual beings born from demonic or bestial essence] lacked the ability to conceal their auras. Even from several dozen Li-length away, they could sense the faint, oppressive presence emanating from that mountain.

"There are Violet Sanctum Demon Spirit [powerful spiritual beings born from the essence of the land], but we don't know how many, nor what their cultivation levels are."

"We'll know once we go and see."

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

From a distance of twenty Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], the Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [a powerful earth spirit with a body of metallic gold] sensed their auras. Two golden figures emerged.

"Two Violet Sanctum Demon Spirit."

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Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly as he hurriedly warned.

The auras of the two Violet Sanctum Demon Spirit were exceptionally dense and powerful. The leading one, spotting the two cultivators from dozens of Li-length away, immediately unleashed a bolt of golden lightning.

"It's the Metallic Gold Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique imbued with the power of metallic gold]!"

Eldrin Chen raised his hand, summoning the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword. With a single sword stroke, he parried the Metallic Gold Divine Thunder, feeling the crackling electricity surge chaotically through his flying sword.

"This power is not that of the Violet Sanctum Early Stage."

His expression shifted slightly as he finally noticed the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword's radiance had dimmed somewhat. Had it not been for the sword's primary affinity for the fire element, and the fact that Solar Fire [the essence of solar flame] overcomes metal, the blade might well have been damaged by now.

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

The two Violet Sanctum [a major realm of cultivation] Demon Spirit [a spirit born from a demonic or earthly essence] before them—one at the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage and the other at the Violet Sanctum Early Stage—possessed strength far exceeding their initial estimates.

"Withdraw, swiftly!"

The Old Patriarch shouted, channeling his energy into the Three Treasures Crimson Gold Flags to manifest the Glazed Adamantine Barrier [a defensive technique forming a barrier hard as diamond and clear as glaze], holding back the assault of the two Violet Sanctum Demon Spirit.

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen activated the Air-Cleaving Skiff [a flying vessel that parts the air], carrying Eternal Profound Chen with him as they shot away.

The treasure skiff was incredibly fast. Although the Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [an earth spirit with the properties of metallic gold] possessed higher cultivation, it could not match their speed. They soon broke free from the confines of the Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

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

The several Foundation Establishment Elder presiding over the formation promptly complied, sealing the Earth Vein and trapping the two Metallic Gold Earth Spirit within.

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 subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy] is likely Third Rank Middle Grade."

Eldrin Chen said gravely. Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [earth elementals born from metallic gold earth veins] possess even lower intelligence than Supple Wood Spirit. For one to cultivate to the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage is exceedingly rare. This likely means the grade of the Earth Vein here is higher than the Third Rank Lower Grade he had initially anticipated.

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

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

A Third Rank Lower Grade Earth Vein produces one Metallic Gold Essence Crystal [a crystalized essence of metallic gold earth energy] every hundred years, while a Third Rank Middle Grade vein produces one every sixty years—a significant difference.

The apprehension came from the greater difficulty of dealing with a higher-grade vein. Among the two Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Violet Sanctum cultivation stage] inside, the one at the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage would likely be more than enough to pose a serious challenge for the Chen Clan members.

After sealing the Earth Vein, the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage] of the Chen Clan held a council within Mystic Iron Mountain.

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

"The two Metallic Gold Earth Spirit within this Metallic Gold Earth Vein... I believe we can just barely manage to handle them."

"Hmm?" Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a trace of thought. "Speak your mind," he said.

Kael Chen, whose drive for advancement was formidable, replied with a calm expression. "A Demon Spirit [a malevolent entity born from corrupted spiritual energy] is considerably weaker than a cultivator of the same realm, and it likely possesses no formidable ."

"With the Clan Leader's and Eldrin's cultivation, joining forces should be more than sufficient to handle that Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Violet Sanctum realm] demon beast."

"With over a dozen Foundation Establishment Cultivators [cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation] manning two Third-Rank Treasure Ships [powerful enchanted vessels of the third rank], supported by several hundred Vital Essence Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation, focusing on refining one's vital energy] cultivators, we should be able to exhaust its spiritual power and ultimately slay that Violet Sanctum Early Stage [the initial stage of the Violet Sanctum realm] demon beast." Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel*com.