Chapter 332 Disposing of the Spirit Vein

Sensing his astonishment, Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) nodded calmly.

He looked at Eldrin and said calmly, "With your innate talent, the hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage is not small. There’s no need to be overly reserved."

"In that case, my sincere gratitude."

Hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) finally offered a courteous bow.

The 2 sat facing each other. Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) gazed at the incense burner from which azure smoke curled upward like ethereal silk before finally speaking.

"Have you come regarding the affairs of the Deng Family?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded and recounted the events of the Battle of Earth Lion Ridge to him.

Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashing in his pupils. "During these years I've been stationed at Yanhu Island, I've spent most of my time in secluded cultivation. Never did I expect the Deng Family would commit such absurd acts."

"They schemed against you, which truly counts as a karmic tribulation they were destined to endure."

Hearing this, Eldrin nodded. The duration of a single secluded cultivation session for a Nascent Soul True Monarch was often measured in dozens or even hundreds of years.

Though Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) presided over Yanhu Island, a single session of secluded cultivation often spanned what mortals would consider an entire lifetime. For cultivators below the Purple Mansion realm, this duration was more than enough for countless events to unfold.

If 1 were to meddle in every single affair, even Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) would find it impossible to manage—unless he were willing to abandon his cultivation entirely.

However, since the Ji Clan’s True Monarch had now acknowledged their eradication of the Deng Family, handling the aftermath of the Deng Clan’s downfall would be much more straightforward.

Just then, Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) sighed once more and said, "The practice of absorption cultivation taints a cultivator's temperament, marking a descent into unorthodox paths. It seems we must forbid this art throughout Jizhou from now on."

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly. The Art of Essence Absorption, though born of the demonic path, was not truly as venomous as the authentic demonic arts. Thus, it had always existed in a gray area.

Thus, while the Eastern Wastelands (Location) had officially prohibited such matters, the authorities recognized the near-impossibility of enforcement and seldom dedicated resources to policing them.

However, since this True Lord has now spoken, it appears that from this day forth, the Ji Clan will take charge of such matters within the Ji Continent.

At this thought, Eldrin said with a smile, "It seems the cultivation world of Jizhou is in for a blessing."

"It was but a trivial matter."

Ji Feiye waved his hand dismissively. Though considered young among Nascent Soul cultivators, he was approaching 7 100 years of age. Having journeyed this far, he had witnessed far more partings and reunions, joys and sorrows than ordinary minds could fathom.

For someone like him, the joys and sorrows, partings and reunions of mortals spanned but a mere few decades. No matter how stirring or poignant their tales, they would ultimately return to dust, inevitably buried by the passage of time. How many would still remember them after a few 100 years?

Moreover, he understood perfectly well that compared to those immortal and eternal celestials, he was fundamentally no different from a mortal.

If 1 cannot break through to higher realms, then a mere few 1000 years of struggle would be but a flower that blooms and withers for an immortal.

Last night a bud, this morning in full bloom, it burst forth with a vibrant hue, proclaiming its presence to the world.

Then the setting sun descended, flowers withered and turned to dust, a lifetime of cultivation and magical power dissolved into the Dao. What was once borrowed from heaven and earth—the achievements of cultivation—would ultimately return to the cosmos. To those who seek immortality, it is but a fleeting passage.

For him, the ultimate goal was simply to continue advancing step by step, to eventually break free from the cycle of life and death, and become an immortal being coexisting with heaven and earth.

"My thanks for your hospitality, True Lord. I shall take my leave now."

Eldrin (Person Name) drank a cup of tea and, after chatting with him for a short while, rose to take his leave.

Feiye the Nightbane (Person Name) nodded, rose to see him off, and remarked meaningfully as they parted, "Devote yourself to cultivation and make necessary preparations. Within 3 60-year cycles, a fierce battle is likely to unfold."

"A fierce battle?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) felt a sudden tremor in his heart.

For the True Monarch of the Ji Clan to speak of a fierce battle, it was highly likely they intended to conscript cultivators from Jizhou.

The Ji Clan had summoned them to war, which meant their opponents were undoubtedly at the Nascent Soul level. Considering how the Ji Clan had extensively called upon allies and even invited formidable experts like the Scarlet Dragon True Monarch to the Ji Province—

All these actions could only mean 1 thing: they intended to eliminate a portion of their adversaries before the Ji Clan Patriarch achieved his Primordial Spirit breakthrough, lest enemies take advantage during his critical moment of ascension.

When top-tier Nascent Soul forces clash, even Nascent Soul True Monarchs may fall. Should the tide of battle turn unfavorable, Golden Core experts would perish in droves. In such circumstances, who could possibly remain untouched by the conflict?

With merely 3 60-year cycles at his disposal, it might not even suffice for him to break through to the Golden Core, Late Stage, let alone ensure he could adequately protect the Chen Immortal Clan by then.

At this thought, Eldrin felt a sense of urgency welling up in his heart. He promptly offered a deep, respectful bow and said,

"Many thanks for the warning, True Lord. I shall make some arrangements on my end."

"Hmm, it's good that you've prepared yourself."

Ji Feiye nodded. The Ji Clan's scheme this time was of immense significance. If word got out, it would likely alert their rivals. Were it not for Lyra's (Person Name) involvement, he probably wouldn't have shared this information with Eldrin (Person Name).

Departing from Yan Lake, Eldrin rode his sword to the Deng Clan Island.

Before long, Lyra had preliminarily settled the affairs at the Earth Lion Ridge. Leaving Elara and Xavier to temporarily hold the fort, she piloted the Cyan Sun Treasure Ship and led a group of cultivators to the Yan Kingdom.

After the group had gathered, the old clan leader inquired, "How should we deal with the 2 spirit mountains of the Deng family?"

Beyond the Spirit Mountain, there were still over 3 100 million mortals residing on the Deng Clan's 6 Stars Island.

He said, his expression turning grave.

The Deng Clan's primary remaining assets now consisted of 2 spirit islands, 1 water vein, and a single Aqua Spirit Fruit Tree.

In addition, there were over 3 100 million mortals to deal with—a rather troublesome matter. Allowing them to fend for themselves would likely violate the Heavenly Principles.

Eldrin pondered for a moment before continuing, "Both spiritual veins possess extraordinary energy. The 1 on the Deng Family Island is a mid-grade fourth-tier vein, while the 6 Stars Island's is a low-grade fourth-tier."

Nurturing a fourth-tier, lower-grade spirit vein requires an expenditure of 10,000,000 spirit stones, while a fourth-tier, middle-grade spirit vein is valued at 20,000,000 spirit stones. The worth of a fourth-tier water vein and a water spirit fruit tree also begins in the tens of millions of spirit stones.

Within the entire Ji Continent, the immortal clans capable of producing such a sum could be counted on 1 hand. At the very least, none within Yan Kingdom (Location) could accomplish this. If the price were discounted too steeply, it would hardly be worthwhile after all.

The Old Patriarch, upon hearing this, also abandoned the thought of selling it.

For the immortal clans beyond the borders of Yan Kingdom (Location), traveling thousands of miles to acquire this spirit vein would inevitably create an enclave.

Unless they were willing to sell at a devastating loss of over 70% discount, it was unlikely anyone would be interested in purchasing. Moreover, the cultivation alliance of Yan Kingdom (Location) could probably afford, at most, a single spirit vein.

Unless they were incredibly lucky and encountered a rogue cultivator who was wealthy but lacked spiritual roots and had no hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, it was unlikely they would be able to sell it.

Lyra (Person Name) pondered for a moment before speaking, "Since it cannot be sold, we might as well take over the operation first."

"We can first hire Xavier (Person Name) to guard this place. That way, these spiritual mountain veins can bring us considerable profits."

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of snow and decay. Lin Feng tightened his tattered robe, his breath forming white puffs in the frigid air. He had been stuck at the third level of Qi Refinement for 3 years now—a full 30-6 months of stagnation that weighed heavily on his young shoulders. "Just a dozen or so spirit stones left," he murmured, counting the faintly glowing crystals in his palm. At this rate, he wouldn't have enough to purchase even the most basic Foundation Establishment Pill before the annual sect competition. Suddenly, a brilliant streak of light cut across the twilight sky—a sword beam carrying an immortal towards the distant main peak. Lin Feng's eyes narrowed with determination. He remembered his master's last words before seclusion: "Cultivation is defiance against heaven itself. Remember, even the longest journey begins with but a single step." Deep within the forest, where ancient trees whispered secrets of millennia past, Lin Feng began his daily cultivation. Circulating the 9 Revolutions Star Art, he drew upon the surrounding spiritual energy. The air shimmered around him as countless motes of light converged, dancing like fireflies in the gathering darkness. His concentration was broken by a cold voice. "Well, if it isn't the sect's disgrace." Eldrin (Person Name) emerged from the shadows, his blue robes immaculate, his expression contemptuous. In his hand gleamed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), its blade pulsing with restrained power. "20-some years and you're still at Qi Refinement," Eldrin sneered. "Some people are just destined to remain ants." Lin Feng's knuckles turned white, but he kept his voice even. "The path of cultivation spans countless lifetimes. Who's to say where my journey ends?" Eldrin's laughter echoed through the trees. "Philosophy from a failure? How quaint." He gestured with his sword, the movement casual yet threatening. "The preliminary trials begin tomorrow. Do us all a favor and don't embarrass our sect further." As Eldrin departed in a flash of sword light, Lin Feng unclenched his fists. His gaze fell upon a peculiar leaf at his feet—1 that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. As he picked it up, ancient characters materialized in his mind: The Heavenly Dao Cycle Scripture. For thousands of years, this lost art had been sought by countless cultivators. And now, by some twist of fate, it had chosen him. A faint smile touched Lin Feng's lips. The game had just changed.