Chapter 175 : The Earth Vein Gambit

"When the time comes to surround and slay that Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the fourth major stage of cultivation, where one opens a mystical palace within the dantian], we should have a reasonable chance of success."

As soon as he finished speaking, Old Patriarch shook his head and said, "If it were a Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [a powerful beast that has reached the Violet Sanctum cultivation stage], perhaps this plan of ours could succeed."

"But the Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [an earth-natured spirit beast formed from and attuned to Metallic Gold essence] is different. They dwell within the Metallic Gold Earth Vein [a subterranean spiritual vein rich in Metallic Gold energy], constantly replenishing their spiritual power from the Essence of Metallic Gold [the pure, condensed spiritual energy of the Metal element]. Thus, trying to exhaust their power through a siege is exceedingly difficult."

"Even if we could succeed, the losses among your ranks would likely be severe. The cost would outweigh the gain."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. He had participated in the campaign against the Supple Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in the energy of the Wood element] and knew that to deal with such beings, one must strike with overwhelming force from the outset to have a solid chance of victory.

After all, within an Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy], these Demon Spirit [spiritual entities born from the convergence of demonic and earthly energies] possess a near-limitless wellspring of power. They can unleash their divine abilities multiple times without fear of depletion.

Seeing this plan was unworkable, Chen Caleb spoke up. "Since our strength alone is insufficient to seize the Earth Vein, should we seek reinforcements?"

Hearing this, everyone hesitated, a shared reluctance evident in their hearts.

The treasures within a single Metallic Gold Earth Vein were of immeasurable value. To ask for outside help, the Chen Clan would have to pay a price of at least one Metallic Gold Essence Crystal [a crystalized form of pure Metallic Gold spiritual essence].

With both Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch on the verge of their breakthrough to the Violet Sanctum [the fourth major stage of cultivation], seeking aid now would be akin to gifting a hundred thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to others for free. A single misstep could even invite covetous eyes upon them. Join our community of readers at *audio-novel.com*.

"There is no need to rush regarding reinforcements."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, aside from Heavenly Ruins Mountain, he was unwilling for anyone else to come to his aid.

However, with Scorching Sun Mountain gone, Heavenly Ruins Mountain stood isolated on the frontier, bearing the pressure from Heavenly Python Lake and Earth Lion Ridge alone.

The two Demon King viewed Heavenly Ruins Mountain as a thorn in their side, making it nearly impossible for Exquisite Jiang to extricate herself. Her disciple, Elara Lin, was needed to guard the Supple Wood Earth Vein.

As for Tea Rose Su, she had already departed for Ji Nation. As a third-rank alchemist [a master of crafting spiritual pills and elixirs], she bore a heavy responsibility this time—to gather the final few supplementary ingredients for Exquisite Jiang's Spiritual Root Completion [a mystical technique to perfect one's spiritual foundation]. It was unlikely she would return anytime soon.

"There is no need to rush this matter."

Eternal Profound Chen said with a calm expression, "It has only been a little over a decade since my last breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core]. I will need another four or five years before I can attempt another breakthrough."

"Use this time to cultivate diligently. Five years from now, we will make our preparations and then decide our course of action."

With the Old Patriarch's decision made, the others could only nod in agreement. Thus, their first attempt to seize the Metallic Gold Earth Vein had ended in failure.

After everyone had left, Eldrin Chen sighed with frustration. "In the end, our strength is still insufficient. To have such a treasure right before us, yet be unable to claim it... it is truly a great pity."

"If I had the cultivation of the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm, where one forms a core of violet spiritual energy within the dantian] today, I would have surely slain that fiend. We wouldn't have had to flee in such a wretched state."

"Do not be disheartened." The Old Patriarch shook his head with a wry smile. "You have been at the Foundation Establishment [the second major realm, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] for less than forty years, yet you've already reached the Foundation Establishment 8th Tier [the eighth level within the Foundation Establishment realm] and can even wound a Violet Sanctum cultivator with your sword. That is truly remarkable."

"It's only a matter of a few years. We can afford to wait. When the time comes, this old man will swallow his pride and go to Ling County to borrow the Demon-Suppressing True Flame [a powerful flame-based technique used to subdue demonic entities] Formation Flag [a set of enchanted banners used to deploy a specific combat formation] from the Yang Clan. We will definitely be able to slay them then."

"..."

After leaving Mystic Iron Mountain, Eldrin Chen gathered his composure and then rode his flying sword back to Spirit Lake Isle.

He had just returned to Spirit Lake Isle when Lila spotted him from afar and came running over joyfully.

"Uncle, I want to eat a peach."

"Alright, you can eat your fill when they're ready."

Looking at her innocent smile, a genuine warmth spread across Eldrin Chen's face.

At that moment, he lifted his gaze to the Spiritual Peach Tree [a tree that bears fruit infused with spiritual energy]. This year's Spiritual Peach [a peach imbued with spiritual energy, beneficial for cultivation] crop, however, seemed somehow... off.

The half-green Spiritual Peach exuded an extraordinary fragrance, with astonishing spiritual energy [the vital force used in cultivation] brewing within it.

"Hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, having roughly discerned the profound mystery of this Spiritual Peach. The spiritual energy within this year's peaches seemed excessively potent, and their number was significantly fewer than in previous years.

He carefully counted them and only then discovered there were merely twelve Spiritual Peach this year.

This was highly abnormal. Even a Second Rank Low-Grade Spiritual Peach Tree could produce sixty peaches annually, while a Second Rank High-Grade Spiritual Peach Tree could yield as many as one hundred and eight Spiritual Peach.

"Could this be..." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio—novel.com.

Eldrin Chen's face lit up with ecstatic joy as a thrilling suspicion took root in his mind. Suppressing his burgeoning excitement, he settled into patient observation, awaiting the final confirmation of his hopes.

Three months passed, ushering in the autumn harvest. The twelve Spiritual Peach finally ripened to perfection. Unbeknownst to all, the Spiritual Vein [a subterranean ley line that concentrates and emits spiritual energy] beneath Spirit Isle Lake had quietly ascended to the Third Rank Lower Grade.

"A Third-Rank Spiritual Peach!"

As soon as the peaches matured, Eldrin Chen swiftly plucked one, cradling the radiant fruit as unbridled delight washed over him.

At the age of fifteen, he descended the mountain and arrived at Spirit Lake Isle. Using Violet Aura [a rare and potent form of spiritual energy], he nurtured this Spiritual Peach Tree [a mystical tree bearing fruit that enhances cultivation]. Unbeknownst to him, forty-five years had already flowed by like water.

Forty-five years passed like a flowing river. The youth in white robes of yesteryear had become a prodigy renowned throughout Chu Nation, and this Spiritual Peach Tree had finally ascended to become a third-rank Spiritual Peach Tree [a tree of significant spiritual power, classified within the third tier of cultivation resources].

The wondrous utility of a Worldly Spiritual Root [a rare spiritual plant with profound effects on cultivation] is extraordinary. Once the Spiritual Peach Tree reached the third rank, it became incomparable to its former self.

Henceforth, the Spiritual Peach Tree would bloom for three years, bear fruit for three years, and ripen for three years. It would require nine full years to mature a harvest of twelve third-rank Spiritual Peach [a fruit imbued with dense spiritual energy, used to advance cultivation].

Yet, the marvelous effects of a third-rank Spiritual Peach are equally profound. After consuming one such peach, a cultivator requires three years to fully refine and absorb its energy.

Once successfully refined, it can increase the cultivation base of a Violet Sanctum Cultivator [a cultivator at the Violet Sanctum realm, a mid-level stage] by ten years' worth of accumulated power. If a Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment realm, a lower stage] consumes it, a single peach can increase their cultivation by thirty years.

"The Violet Sanctum [the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] is now within reach," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen clutched the Spiritual Peach, unable to suppress a surge of excitement.

With this third-rank Spiritual Peach, he would have sufficient confidence to attempt a breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum Realm three years hence.

Without another word, he consumed the Spiritual Peach that very day and entered seclusion to refine its abundant spiritual essence.

"…"

Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, three years had passed.

"It is almost time."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. After three years, he had finally completely refined the spiritual energy within the Spiritual Peach [a fruit brimming with potent spiritual essence].

Although he had only refined a single Spiritual Peach, its energy was overwhelmingly vast. It not only allowed him to break through to the Foundation Establishment 9th Tier but also advanced his cultivation all the way to the realm of Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment [the absolute peak of the Foundation Establishment stage].

Having reached this stage, his foundation was complete and flawless. To advance any further, he now needed to use his True Essence [the refined, pure energy cultivated by a Foundation Establishment cultivator] to pierce through the Violet Sanctum Meridian of the Path.

The Violet Sanctum Meridian of the Path lies deep within the human spine, connecting directly to the Violet Sanctum [a spiritual cavity located between the eyebrows, also known as the Spirit Terrace or Immortal Platform] at the center of the forehead. It forms the central pillar of the body's meridian system, supporting the entire framework, which is why it is also poetically called the Violet Sanctum Heavenly Vein [the Celestial Vein].

For a cultivator to break through to the Violet Sanctum Realm, they must channel their True Essence from the Elixir Field [the dantian, the core energy center in the lower abdomen] upwards through the Heavenly Vein along the spine, all the way to the Violet Sanctum Spirit Terrace at the brow. This process forges a permanent connection between the Violet Sanctum and the Elixir Field.

The Violet Sanctum is also known as the Spirit Mansion, Divine Palace, or Immortal Platform. Consequently, some cultivators refer to the Violet Sanctum Realm as the Spirit Mansion Realm or the Immortal Platform Realm.

It is the dwelling place of a cultivator's soul and the crucible where spiritual sense [a cultivator's extended perception] is nurtured. Once a cultivator breaks through to the Violet Sanctum Realm, they can fuse their spiritual sense with their True Essence, transforming it into the more profound and mystical power known as Magical Power.

The profundity of Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by cultivators to perform arts and techniques] far surpasses that of True Essence. When channeling external objects like a Third-Rank Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact of moderate power], the difference may not be starkly apparent. However, the same mystical technique, when powered by Mana versus True Essence, unleashes a potency that is worlds apart.

Even if Eldrin Chen's True Essence was comparable in density to that of a Violet Sanctum Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened their Violet Palace, a core spiritual center], the mystical techniques he could unleash with it posed little genuine threat to such an opponent. The qualitative leap in power was simply too vast. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio–novel.com.