Chapter 320 : Vein of Hidden Power

In the sky, the Tribulation Cloud [a dense, ominous cloud formation that heralds a heavenly tribulation] gradually dispersed, and a cascade of heavenly dew [a restorative, spiritual liquid bestowed by the heavens] began to fall.

Eldrin Chen channeled his magic power, drawing the dew into his Golden Core [the solidified, golden-hued spiritual core formed at the Golden Core Realm]. Only then did he feel a significant replenishment of Creation [the primordial creative energy that fuels life and cultivation] within his core, and the previously depleted reserves of his internal magic power were largely restored.

After their successful breakthrough, both of them revealed joyous smiles. To have ascended to the Golden Core Realm [a major mid-stage cultivation realm where one condenses a solid golden spiritual core] after cultivating for just over one hundred and seventy years—such talent and foundation were rare even across the lands, marking them as true prodigies among their generation.

"*Hum—*"

At that very moment, a light flickered from the depths of Spirit Isle Lake, and an intangible force parted the lake's waters, opening a fissure.

This fissure, hidden deep within Spirit Isle Lake, faintly emanated a vast and profound aura of water elemental energy [the fundamental energy associated with the element of water].

"An underground Water Vein [a subterranean channel or reservoir of concentrated, pure water-element spiritual energy]!"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

There was actually a Water Vein concealed beneath Spirit Isle Lake—and this vein had been right under their noses all these years, yet they had never detected it.

Had this Water Vein not mysteriously opened today, they likely would never have discovered its presence. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel .c om.

"Its Positive Water Aura [a beneficial spiritual energy associated with water] surges like a vast ocean. This is likely the core of the hidden water elemental circulation network within Chu Nation."

"The grade of this Water Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated water spiritual energy] should be even higher than the one beneath Heavenly Ruins Lake."

Exquisite Jiang murmured with a grave expression. Though they had not yet entered, their cultivation level allowed them to sense the Water Essence Power [the fundamental power of water essence] contained within far surpassed that of the Fourth Rank Low-Grade Water Vein at Heavenly Ruins Lake.

Eldrin Chen's expression was equally solemn. This Water Vein had lain hidden beneath Spirit Isle Lake, and its opening coincided precisely with his breakthrough to the Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation, where spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core]. This was surely no mere coincidence.

After exchanging a glance with Exquisite Jiang, Eldrin Chen hesitated for a moment before speaking calmly. "This Water Vein is at least of Fourth Rank Superior Grade [a high-tier classification for spiritual objects and locations]. For it to open on its own requires the hand of a master."

"That senior is likely already waiting for us inside."

With those words, Eldrin Chen decided to enter the Water Vein.

To conceal a Water Vein of this magnitude here for so many years, completely undetected by them, was a feat far beyond the capabilities of any Golden Core Realm [the realm of Golden Core cultivators] expert.

He had cultivated here since the age of fifteen. If the being within the Water Vein intended him harm, it would not have waited until now.

Suppressing their astonishment, the two of them stepped through the entrance and into the Water Vein beneath the lake.

Upon entering the Water Vein [an underground channel of concentrated water-attuned spiritual energy], Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang were immediately met by an overwhelming surge of dense Positive Water Aura [the pure, life-giving spiritual essence of water].

Surveying their surroundings, they found this subterranean Water Vein to be a place of withered vitality, almost entirely devoid of water-element Demon Spirit [spiritual entities born from demonic energy] or demonic creatures. The only sign of activity was a faint, shimmering sword light emanating from the heart of the Water Vein in the distance.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed with concentration. He sensed the immense destructive Force Extreme [the pinnacle of offensive power] within this sword light. He estimated that even a Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has solidified their spiritual foundation] would not last more than a single shichen-time [one shichen-time equals two hours] here before the invasive sword energy seeped into their organs, causing irreversible damage.

Such a sharp and relentless sword energy explained perfectly why this Earth Vein [a location where earth-attuned spiritual energy converges] held no trace of life.

Exquisite Jiang's eyes widened with astonishment. "This Water Vein," she said, her voice tinged with awe, "is likely of the Fifth Rank [the fifth and highest tier of spiritual object quality]."

A Fifth Rank Water Vein was a treasure that would make even an Infant Soul True Lord [a high-level cultivator whose nascent soul has matured] covetous. Yet here it lay, its vitality extinguished, its essence corroded by the pervasive sword energy until not a spark of life remained.

"Let us go and see," Eldrin Chen said, his expression grave.

With a heavy heart, Eldrin Chen flew toward the source of the sword light.

The two cultivators followed the subterranean Water Vein for a short while, eventually arriving at its very core. There, within the bubbling spring-eye that was the heart of the Water Vein, they saw a hazy, shimmering radiance.

It was a shattered sword, its blade a lattice of deep cracks. The weapon was crafted from a material of Glazed [a name meaning 'Glazed'] clarity, glowing with a soft, pearlescent white light. From every fissure, tendrils of sword energy leaked forth, slicing the very air and leaving behind hair-thin rents in the fabric of space.

It drifted within the eye of the Water Vein [a concentrated flow of water-attuned spiritual energy], nourished by the near-limitless Water Essence Power [the fundamental power of water] flowing from the vein itself.

Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang exchanged a glance, profound shock stirring within their hearts.

For a mere broken sword to require the entire Fifth Rank Water Vein [a water vein of the fifth rank, a powerful spiritual resource] for its sustenance, even to the point of nearly draining the vein's Water Essence Power dry—this sword's grade likely surpassed that of a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure capable of subduing demons].

"You have come."

Sensing Eldrin Chen's arrival, the broken sword shifted slightly, and a gentle, cultured voice emanated from it.

Their hearts trembled. The two quickly clasped their hands in a respectful salute. "We pay our respects to you, Senior." Original English translation available at audio–novel.com.

"There is no need for such formality."

The broken sword spoke calmly. Its blade was riddled with cracks, as if it had once shattered into over a dozen pieces. Over vast eons, it had drawn upon the Water Essence Power to mend itself, and now showed signs of having partially fused back together.

Yet, a section of its tip remained missing, and the fissures across its repaired form were still severe.

Silence lingered between them for a moment. Exquisite Jiang's heart grew heavy with contemplation. She understood this was likely a Primordial Solar Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure of the primordial sun, a legendary artifact]. For such an existence to seek them out was assuredly no trivial matter.

After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke, "This junior is Exquisite Jiang of the Kiang Clan. Might I inquire, honored senior, for what purpose have you summoned us here?"

"Descendant of the Kiang Clan, you need not worry. I bear you no ill will,"

the broken sword stated calmly. Its gaze then settled upon Eldrin Chen. "I once saved your life."

"Boom—"

Eldrin Chen's mind reeled as if struck by thunder. His expression shifted through a spectrum of emotions, yet he could not, for the life of him, recall a time when this broken sword senior had ever rescued him.

Before he could ponder further, the broken sword continued, "More than one hundred and seventy years ago, within the Eastern Region Great Wasteland, a vast and mighty Violet Aura [a supreme, auspicious energy signifying great destiny] surged across tens of thousands of Li-lengths. It was suspected that a celestial Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] had descended to face a tribulation."

"I was roused from my slumber. Tracing your aura, I sensed you might be that descended Immortal. I left a wisp of my essence by your side before sinking back into deep sleep."

"Three years later, that wisp of essence was disturbed, awakening me once more. It was then I drove off that wicked-path cultivator."

"One hundred and seventy years ago!"

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly as memories of that distant past flooded back.

Back then, when that Qin Surname Cultivator inexplicably fled in alarm, I had assumed it was due to the perception of an Infant Soul True Lord from the Ji Clan or the gaze of the Immortal Refining Furnace. Little did I know it was this Broken Sword Senior who saved my life.

Thinking this way, many things fell into place. The reason the Chu Nation lacked a fourth-rank Water Vein was because Senior Broken Sword had been drawing upon the power of the entire nation's Water Vein to repair itself.

This Broken Sword resided within the Chu Nation and was likely a damaged Primordial Solar Supreme Treasure. The Green Sun Mountain two hundred thousand Li-lengths away was right under its watchful eye, so saving Eldrin Chen was only natural.

At this realization, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn. He promptly performed a deep, respectful bow and said earnestly, "This junior is eternally grateful for Senior's life-saving grace."

"There is no need for such formalities,"

the Broken Sword replied calmly, sighing softly. "A pity my injuries from long ago make recovery difficult. If I act, I risk shattering once more. Otherwise, I would not have allowed such a scourge to persist."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood that the vile arts of the Qin Clan were entangled in a far greater web, with shadowy connections to the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons.

His expression firm, he declared, "This junior will naturally deal with the matter of the Qin Clan."

"And I will repay Senior's kindness."

"If you wish to settle the Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] you owe me, the task will not be easy."

The Broken Sword spoke with a calm, measured tone, his gaze fixed intently upon Eldrin Chen. "Indeed," he continued, "there are three matters I wish for you to undertake." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audi novel.com.