Chapter 223 Spirit Origin Mountain Spirit Vein

Yet who could have foreseen that in less than half a month, such staggering upheavals would occur? The demonic scourge unseen for over a century has resurfaced, and the Violet Manor Immortal Clan—a lineage spanning hundreds of years—was reduced to dust overnight.

"Enough, you may rise."

Eldrin (Person Name)拂袖间将几人扶了起来，面色平淡的说道：“日后若有机会，待我破入金丹之境，自然会斩杀严老魔，一剑平了魔窟洞。”

"Thank you, Ancestral Elder. My deepest gratitude, Ancestral Elder."

The few of them knelt to the ground once more, with Yang Yanxing kowtowing repeatedly in tearful gratitude, his aged face streaked with tears.

After the 3 of them had calmed down somewhat, Eldrin spoke, "Since I have inherited your Yang Clan's Dojo and taken on some of your karma, I naturally won't treat you unfairly."

"I shall cultivate 2 second-grade, superior-quality spirit veins for you, allowing your family to rebuild. Additionally, the Yang Family will receive a 1-time compensation of 50,000 spirit stones."

"Beyond this, should your Yang Clan ever face the threat of annihilation, our Chen Family's Purple Mansion can intervene on your behalf 3 times."

Nurturing a single top-grade, third-order spirit vein required the consumption of tens of thousands of spirit stones, while 2 would deplete over 100,000. Coupled with the 50,000 spirit stones allocated as compensation, this sum was, by all accounts, exceedingly generous.

After all, the Yang Clan no longer possessed the strength to hold onto their former interests. Even if the 3 great Zi Fu clans didn't make a move, countless Ji Zhu clans would openly and covertly seize them.

Back in the day, had these spiritual veins and earth veins not been seized by the Yang family from the previous Zifu immortal clan?

However, Eldrin pondered for a moment and recalled the several Purple Aura Pills (Spiritual Object) bestowed by Patriarch Yang. Those elixirs had provided significant assistance to him and the old clan leader during the war against the beast tide.

"Now that Elder Yang has passed, this debt of gratitude should be repaid to the Yang Clan."

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin still felt he should give the Yang family a chance.

He then raised his hand and produced a golden decree, upon which he inscribed a line of text before handing it to Yang Yanxing.

"This is my divine decree. Guard it with utmost care."

"If any of your Yang Clan members reach the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment in the future, they may bring this token to our Chen Clan to exchange for a 5 Elements Crystal."

The 3 members of the Yang family received the edict, their hearts swelling with emotion as they once again prostrated themselves in reverence.

The 5 Element Crystals were far too precious. Even the Purple Mansion Immortal Clan themselves possessed only a scarce few—how could they bear to part with them and give them to others?

Many Foundation Establishment clans would exhaust centuries of accumulated wealth just to barely acquire a single 5 Elements Crystal, demonstrating its extraordinary rarity. Although Purple Manor clans possess relatively stable means of production, the demand far outstrips the supply—too many monks and too little gruel.

If it were merely a verbal promise, 1 could still go back on it. But this Zi Mansion expert had personally signed a decree, proving that Eldrin (Person Name) truly cherished past affections and had treated them with utmost benevolence.

After the 3 of them departed with profuse gratitude, Eldrin remained in the spirit pool with the old clan leader.

The old clan leader gazed at the spirit pool and earth vein, his expression a mixture of delight and concern as he said, "We've finally accumulated 12,000 spirit stones to deploy the 7 Stars Demon Refining Formation in Pingyang City, yet it appears this will have to be delayed for another few years."

"No matter. Though it seems a bit excessive for now, it will prove worthwhile in the long run."

Eldrin smiled faintly and said, "After seizing the spiritual veins of Lingyuan Mountain and the underground fire veins, the clan's revenue will increase by a significant margin."

The underground fire vein alone yielded first and second-tier materials worth as much as 5,000 spirit stones annually.

Beyond this, the underground fire vein beneath Spirit Origin Mountain was the only fire vein in Border Province. With several dozen earthfire chambers leased out, they brought the clan an annual tax revenue of 3,000 spirit stones.

"An annual income of 8,000 spirit stones is quite acceptable."

The Old Patriarch also nodded, calculating inwardly before saying, "However, the spirit fields of Spirit Origin Mountain have been utterly devastated. Restoring them for medicinal herb cultivation would likely require over a 100 years of effort. I'm afraid the Chen Family won't see any returns from this in the short term."

"Now that we've taken over so many spirit fields, our clan lacks sufficient manpower. I'm afraid we won't be able to develop this spirit vein either."

"The destruction of the spirit fields is truly vexing." Eldrin frowned, then suddenly his eyes lit up as he said, "I have a proposal that might revitalize this spiritual vein."

"We can transform the Spirit Origin Mountain into a series of spiritual spring cavern abodes, leasing them to rogue cultivators and disciples from major immortal clans."

Hearing this, a faint glimmer of light sparked in Chen Changxuan's eyes.

After the beast tide, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in Border Province increased dramatically. With the addition of cultivators migrating from Yang Province, there were now over 180 Foundation Establishment cultivators in Border Province.

This number had nearly doubled compared to 60 years ago, and with the increased population, the spiritual veins in Border Province had become severely insufficient.

At this point, if Lingyuan Mountain were made available for rent to Foundation Establishment cultivators and rogue cultivators from the borderlands, hordes of practitioners would likely flock here to lease the spirit spring caves on long-term contracts.

Moreover, once the number of cultivators increases, a cultivation market can be established on the Spirit Origin Mountain.

Ling County originally had a cultivation market known as Lingyang Market, which was jointly controlled by the Yang Family and the 8 major Foundation Establishment clans. The Yang Family once held the largest share.

However, with the fall of the Yang Clan, the Glorious Sun Market was bound to decline without the family’s resources.

If nothing unexpected had occurred, the majority of clientele would have been drawn away by the Yuyang Market and Fengyang Trading Post (Location).

If the Chen Family were to establish a market in Lingyuan Mountain, they could effectively retain Ling County's customer base within the mountain.

"That's a brilliant idea."

After discussing for half a day, the 2 decided to proceed with this plan. They would later establish a cultivation market at Spirit Origin Mountain, to be named Spirit Origin Market.

After finalizing the plan, the old clan leader furrowed his brows once more. "But who should we assign to guard this place?"

Guardian.

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly. The Spirit Origin Mountain possessed a third-grade spirit vein and a mid-third-grade earth vein. In the future, a cultivation market would be established there.

Once the market model is fully established, the combined benefits from the 3 locations would likely bring the Chen Family over 20,000 spirit stones annually.

The interests at stake here are far too vast; it is imperative to station a Purple Mansion cultivator for defense.

However, the Chen Clan currently only had 2 Eldrin Realm experts. In 2 years, after the Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location) advanced, the Chen Clan would possess 4 third-grade spirit veins within Yu County.

Therefore, it was necessary to have someone stationed there year-round. The old clan leader had to guard Pingyang City and oversee Yu County, making it impossible for him to be away for extended periods. Eldrin (Person Name) was also unsuitable for being confined to 1 place long-term.

"Alas, the interests our Chen Family currently hold have grown far too vast."

"With just the 2 of us, our human lifespan still falls short."

The old clan leader suddenly found himself torn between laughter and tears. The Chen Clan now held interests far exceeding those of most Purple Manor clans.

This time, the Chen family had secured a brand new spirit vein and obtained a mid-grade tier-3 underground fire vein. From now on, not only would they acquire a Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) every 60 years, but they could also become self-sufficient in tier-2 and tier-3 fire-attribute heavenly and earthly treasures.

Upon careful calculation, once the Chen Family secured this earth vein, they would exclusively possess the Gengjin Earth Vein and the Underground Fire Vein, while also holding a 25% stake in both the Jitu Earth Vein and the Xinjin Earth Vein.

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The biting cold pierced deep into the bone marrow. Eldrin (Person Name) struggled to open his eyes, his consciousness emerging from endless darkness. The dilapidated thatched roof and cracked earthen walls entered his vision, while putrid odors assailed his nostrils. This was clearly not the cave abode where he had undergone his tribulation transcendence. "Have I... been reborn?" He examined these tender, frail hands, countless memories surging through his mind like tidal waves. The original owner of this body was also named Eldrin, a orphan disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect (Sect Name). Due to his mediocre aptitude, he had suffered constant bullying in the sect, ultimately beaten to death by a fellow disciple 3 days ago over a mere 3 spirit stones. A cold gleam flashed in Eldrin's eyes. In his previous life, he had been the Demon Sovereign dominating the cultivation world, yet he fell during his heavenly tribulation. Never did he expect the Heaven-Defying Soul Art he cultivated would actually allow his soul to be reborn in this young body. "Since I've taken over your body, your grievances shall become mine." Eldrin murmured softly, "Those who owe you debts—I shall make them repay a hundredfold." He sat cross-legged, circulating the Heaven-Defying Soul Art. Although his current meridians were frail, his soul remained that of a Great Ascension cultivator. In merely 2 hours, he broke through to the first level of Qi Refining. "Though the speed is acceptable, these spirit veins are truly too thin." Eldrin furrowed his brow. The spiritual energy between heaven and earth here was extremely sparse, far inferior to the cultivation world of his memories. Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the door. A girl of 14 or 15 rushed in, her face full of anxiety: "Eldrin, run quickly! Luo Feng (Person Name) and the others are coming to cause trouble again!" This girl was named Ling'er (Person Name), the only person in the sect who cared for Eldrin. Before his rebirth, it was she who had secretly brought Eldrin's body back from the back mountain. Before Eldrin could respond, the dilapidated wooden door was kicked open with a "bang." 3 figures swaggered in, the leader sneering: "Still alive, trash? Hand over those 3 spirit stones, and I might spare your dog life." Ling'er hurriedly stepped forward, shielding Eldrin behind her: "Luo Feng, Eldrin has only just recovered from his injuries, please..." "Scram!" Luo Feng backhanded slapped Ling'er across the face, "A worthless thing like you dares to block my way?" Eldrin's eyes suddenly turned icy cold. He slowly rose, his voice carrying an indescribable pressure: "Apologize to her. Then, break your own arm and leave." Luo Feng was momentarily stunned, then burst into raucous laughter: "Have you been beaten stupid, trash? Do you know who you're talking to?" The 2 followers also laughed uproariously, as if they had heard the biggest joke in the world. Eldrin paid no attention to their mockery. He extended his right hand, forming a sword seal with 2 fingers. A faint cyan light gathered at his fingertips—this was the Sword Control Art he had condensed using the minimal spiritual energy within his body. "Since you won't apologize, then don't blame me for being ruthless." His figure flashed, swift as a ghost. In the blink of an eye, he was already before Luo Feng. The sword seal struck directly at the opponent's dantian. "Ah—!" A miserable shriek resounded through the small room. Luo Feng collapsed to the ground, his face ashen. He could clearly feel the spiritual energy within his body rapidly dissipating. "You... you actually destroyed my cultivation!" Luo Feng stared in terror at the youth before him, unable to believe this was the same cowardly Eldrin from before. Eldrin looked down at him from above, his tone indifferent: "Consider this a small punishment. If there's a next time, I will take your life." The 2 followers were so frightened their legs went weak, hastily helping Luo Feng up and scrambling out in panic. Ling'er looked at Eldrin in astonishment, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief: "Eldrin, you..." "Don't be afraid." Eldrin turned, his gaze softening, "From now on, no 1 will ever bully you again." He walked to the window, gazing at the distant mountains. The setting sun cast its afterglow over the earth, dyeing the sky a brilliant red. This unfamiliar world, the mysterious Azure Cloud Sect, the puzzling thinness of spiritual energy... Everything indicated this was no simple place. "But so what?" The corners of Eldrin's mouth curled into a faint smile. With the memories and cultivation experience of his previous life, even if he started over in this barren land, he was confident he could once again stand at the pinnacle of this world. The night deepened. After sending Ling'er away, Eldrin sat cross-legged on his bed, beginning to carefully examine this body. "The spiritual root aptitude is indeed mediocre, but the Heaven-Defying Soul Art can reconstruct the foundations." He took a deep breath, "It's just that the speed of cultivation is too slow. I must find a way to obtain more cultivation resources." His gaze fell upon the jade slip at his waist—this was the identity token of an outer sect disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, which also recorded the most basic cultivation techniques. "Mission Hall..." Eldrin's eyes lit up. According to the jade slip's records, disciples could obtain spirit stones and pills by completing sect missions. Although these resources were meager in the eyes of a former Demon Sovereign, to his current impoverished state, they were undoubtedly a timely aid. The next day, at dawn, Eldrin arrived at the Mission Hall. The hall was bustling with activity, with many outer sect disciples gathered before the mission board, discussing which missions to take. "Look, it's that trash Eldrin!" "He actually dares to show up here? Wasn't he beaten half to death by Luo Feng a few days ago?" "Keep your voice down! I heard he crippled Luo Feng's cultivation yesterday!" Various discussions reached his ears, but Eldrin paid them no mind. His gaze swept over the mission board, finally settling on a mission at the very top. "Investigate the disappearances in the back mountain. Reward: 1 100 spirit stones, 1 Foundation Building Pill (Pill Name)." Eldrin's eyes slightly narrowed. A Foundation Building Pill was exactly what he needed most right now. Just as he was about to step forward to take the mission, a voice sounded from behind: "I advise you not to overestimate your capabilities. Over a dozen disciples have taken this mission, and none have returned alive." Eldrin turned to see a young man in blue robes looking at him with a hint of pity. "Thank you for the warning." Eldrin nodded slightly, but still resolutely walked up to the mission board and removed the mission slip. The crowd erupted in an uproar. "He's tired of living! Even inner sect disciples don't dare take this mission!" "Let him be, since he wants to die, why stop him?" Eldrin ignored the discussions around him, holding the mission slip as he turned to leave the Mission Hall. According to the mission instructions, the back mountain of the Azure Cloud Sect had recently seen frequent disappearances of disciples. The sect had sent several teams to investigate, but all had vanished without a trace. Standing at the entrance to the back mountain, Eldrin sensed an unusual aura. "This is..." His expression turned grave, "A demonic aura?" A trace of excitement flashed in his eyes. If there truly were demons here, that would mean there might be demon cores—precisely the cultivation resource he needed most now. Without hesitation, Eldrin stepped into the back mountain. The deeper he went, the denser the demonic aura became. The surrounding trees showed obvious signs of erosion, their branches and leaves withered and yellow. Suddenly, a black shadow shot out from the bushes, pouncing straight for Eldrin's throat. Eldrin's reaction was extremely swift. The moment the black shadow moved, he had already drawn the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) from his waist. A sword flash, and the black shadow was cut in 2, falling to the ground. It was a demonic wolf the size of a calf, its body covered in black scales, with blood-red eyes. "Merely a first-level demon beast." Eldrin shook his head slightly. The demonic wolf's core was too low-level, of little use to him. He continued inward, successively killing several demon beasts along the way. These demon beasts were all first or second level, and their cores could only slightly supplement his spiritual energy. Just as Eldrin was about to go deeper, a strange noise came from ahead. Following the sound, he arrived at a cave. The demonic aura here was several times denser than outside, the air filled with a nauseating stench of blood. Eldrin cautiously entered the cave. The scene before him made even him, a former Demon Sovereign, furrow his brow. The cave was filled with mutilated corpses, all wearing the attire of Azure Cloud Sect disciples. Their bodies showed clear signs of being fed upon, their deaths utterly gruesome. In the center of the cave stood a blood-red altar, on which lay a fist-sized black crystal, faintly pulsing with a strange glow. "A demonic soul crystal?" Eldrin's pupils sharply contracted. He never expected to find such a treasure here. A demonic soul crystal was formed by the condensation of a demon cultivator's soul essence, an extremely rare treasure for soul cultivation. Just as he was about to step forward to retrieve it, a sharp laugh suddenly rang out: "Tsk tsk, another fool delivered to my doorstep." A figure in black robes slowly walked out from the depths of the cave, his face obscured by a hood, only a pair of blood-red eyes visible. Eldrin's expression turned grave. The aura emanating from this person had reached the Foundation Building stage, far beyond what his current Qi Refining first level could match. "Who are you?" Eldrin gripped the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss tightly, his mind rapidly calculating how to deal with this formidable enemy. The black-robed man laughed sinisterly: "A dead man needs no name." As he spoke, he raised his hand, and a black mist shot straight toward Eldrin. Eldrin's figure flickered, narrowly dodging the black mist. Where the mist passed, the stone wall was corroded, emitting sizzling sounds. "Not bad reflexes." The black-robed man said lightly, "But next, let's see how you handle this." He formed hand seals with both hands, and the black crystal on the altar suddenly glowed brightly. Countless black threads shot out from it, weaving into a large net that enveloped Eldrin. Eldrin's heart sank. These black threads were formed from pure demonic energy, and with his current cultivation, he simply couldn't break free. "Could it be that I, having just been reborn, am to fall here?"