Chapter 611 Upper Grade 5 Earth Vein 2

"If that were all, it might have been tolerable. But the leading Eldrin Monarch's cultivation had reached the late Nascent Soul stage, making him exceptionally troublesome to deal with."

Moreover, the Infernal Demon King, bolstered by the underground fire veins, possessed nearly inexhaustible magical power. Even a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator might struggle to subdue him single-handedly.

At this point, the master of Sky Abode Sect gave a bitter smile and said, "To be perfectly honest, had it not been for our thorough preparations and the protection of the Sky Abode Token, this old man would likely have met his end deep within that underground fire vein."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin nodded at last. The Infernal Demon King had been nurtured within an earth vein for thousands of years. Though its foundation and magical power were slightly inferior to a human cultivator at the late Nascent Soul stage, with the endless support of subterranean fire veins, its combat prowess would likely prove exceptionally formidable.

Seeing that the matter had been clarified, the Eldrin (Person Name) added, "That is precisely why I sought to join forces with you."

"Your Chen Clan boasts no less than 6 True Monarchs. Combined with the strength of our Tianlu Sect, we stand a fair chance of seizing that subterranean fire vein."

Eldrin furrowed his brow upon hearing this, pondering for a moment before saying, "The Flame Demons are empowered by the underground fire veins, their magic is nearly inexhaustible. Even if your Tianlu Sect joins forces with our Chen Clan in an all-out assault, I fear we may still be unable to defeat them."

"Your implication being?" The master of the Celestial Abode Sect hesitated slightly, his gaze wavering as he spoke.

Lyra, who knew Eldrin best, took over the conversation: "Fairy Purple Ji has reached the Nascent Soul, 3rd Tier in her cultivation. Her strength would not be considered weak even among those at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage."

"Elder Lingxu is actually a true monarch reborn, and has now cultivated to the Nascent Soul, 4th Tier (Cultivation Realm). With their assistance, our chances have increased significantly."

"This..."

The Sect Master of Heavenly Abode hesitated slightly. A fifth-rank, upper-grade subterranean fire vein was of astonishing value. Throughout the 3 Veins Ancient Domain, there were no fewer than several 100 fifth-rank, lower- to middle-grade earth veins, yet those that could reach the upper-grade numbered merely a dozen or so.

Such staggering wealth would surely tempt even the most prominent Eldrin (Person Name) clans. Once seized, his confidence in breaking through to the late Eldrin (Cultivation Realm) stage would increase exponentially.

From the bottom of his heart, he was reluctant to involve too many people, for with each additional True Monarch joining the fray, his Tianlu Sect would receive a smaller share when the final distribution took place.

Seeing his expression, Eldrin spoke up, "Even with the combined strength of our 2 families, though we may prevail against the Flame Demon Clan, they are backed by a fifth-order earth vein. I fear our losses would be substantial even if we managed to conquer them."

"Putting aside all else, even if we manage to capture this underground fire vein, the value of a Grade 5, Superior-grade earth vein would tempt even a Great Perfection Stage Nascent Soul cultivator."

"If our 2 families were to lose several True Monarchs, would we still be able to defend this underground fire vein?"

Hearing this, the group felt a subtle stirring in their hearts. The long-bearded Taoist nearby transmitted a voice message to the Eldrin of the Heavenly Abode Sect: "The Abyssal Sage speaks true. With the Cataclysm of the Demonic Abyss less than 2 100 years away, we cannot afford to lose combat strength at such a critical juncture."

"Moreover, the most pressing matter at hand is for you, Senior Brother, to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage."

"That does make sense."

The Sect Master of Heavenly Abode nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "However, since this underground fire vein was discovered by us first and lies within our Heavenly Abode Continent (Location), I hope to have priority in selecting the treasures after the matter is concluded."

"This..."

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered for a fleeting moment, realizing the other’s priority in selection stemmed from a fear of missing the opportunity to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage.

At that thought, he nodded and said, "This matter is within my authority to decide."

"Very well." Only then did the Heavenly Abode Sect Master smile. "As for the Violet Mist Mountain and the Ethereal Void Mountain, this old man is not acquainted with them. I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to relay the message on my behalf."

"This matter is easily handled."

Seeing that the Heavenly Abode Sect Master had agreed, Eldrin couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.

He had his own considerations in inviting Yan Zi Ji and Lingxu Xianzi—not merely to bolster their strength.

The Chen Clan now possessed 4 fifth-grade spiritual veins: Green Lotus Isle, Spirit Lake Isle, the 100-1000-Mile Great Barrens, and Immortal Apricot Isle. Within 1 100 years, the 8 Trigrams Isle spiritual vein would be added to their holdings.

Occupying so many interests, the Chen family was already under immense pressure. Their True Monarch couldn’t even find time to venture out on a journey, which in turn hindered the cultivation progress of the clan members.

Thus, by bringing along Yan Zijie and the others, he could both earn a favor and share the burden on the Chen Family—why wouldn’t he seize such an opportunity? With this thought, Eldrin smiled again and said, “My good friend, Ink Daoist, and the Chen Family’s guest elder, Qiu Daoyi, have only recently broken through to the Nascent Soul stage. To this day, neither of them possesses even a single Grade-5 spirit vein.”

"Why not invite them along? We don't need to share the profits—just promise them guardianship of the underground fire vein after the task is done, with annual stipends. I'm certain they'd be more than willing."

The Long-Bearded Daoist glanced at the Master of the Heavenly Abode Sect upon hearing this, then transmitted a covert message: "This Eldrin has gathered a few close allies. Should we not also call upon some friends for assistance?"

"No need." The Lord of Sky Abode had now come to terms with the situation and transmitted his voice without a change in expression, "Ink Daoist and Qiu Daoyi are assisting without taking equity shares, which essentially means they're working for free. In the future, they can also help us guard the underground fire vein."

"Calling for more reinforcements would only further dilute our share of the profits."

"This Eldrin is now beginning to widely forge favorable connections. I fear he truly aspires to reach the Nascent Soul realm and is making early preparations for guardians to aid him through his future Nascent Soul Tribulation. We might as well seize this opportunity to establish friendly ties with him."

Upon hearing this, the Long-Bearded Daoist felt a tremor in his heart and refrained from further words.

Seeing this, the Heavenly Abode Sect Master nodded with a smile. "Once we seize the fire vein within the Blazing Prison Inferno, we’ll need to dispatch at least 3 True Lords to guard it day and night. With the assistance of Fellow Daoist Mo and Fellow Daoist Qiu, it will greatly ease the strain on our manpower."

"I can agree to this matter."

"So it is settled."

Eldrin smiled faintly, settled on a time with the Sky Abode Sect Master, then the 2 of them boarded the Cyan Jade Phoenix Feather Boat and flew back to Spirit Isle Lake.

Upon arriving at Spirit Isle Lake (Location), he immediately convened the family cultivators to arrange personnel for the upcoming battle. He also sent letters to Eldrin (Person Name) and others, informing them of the situation.

The environment of the Blazing Inferno Sea was exceedingly harsh; even Foundation Establishment cultivators struggled to survive there for extended periods. Thus, for this battle, Eldrin had no intention of mobilizing forces on a massive scale, which would exhaust both the people and resources.

Aside from the True Monarch-level experts of the clan, he only brought several 100 cultivators at or above the Purple Mansion realm to take action, though he did bring the Crimson Flood Dragon Treasure Ship along.

When these individuals had all been assembled, Yan Zijie (Person Name) and the others who had received the letters immediately brought their disciples and followers to Spirit Isle Lake (Location).

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Eldrin said, "Let's board the treasure ship first. We'll discuss matters once we reach the Heavenly Abode Continent."

The Crimson Dragon Treasure Ship could travel 1,000,000 li per day, reaching the edge of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire after merely a few days.

At this moment, the edge of the Blazing Inferno Sea had long been cordoned off by cultivators from the Heavenly Abode Continent (Location). The master of the Tianlu Sect (Organization), who had been waiting for quite some time, smiled upon seeing the group arrive and said, "You've arrived much sooner than this old man anticipated."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind swept across the mountain ridge, carrying with it the scent of decayed leaves and damp earth. Lin Xuan lay amidst the undergrowth, his body battered and broken. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips, staining the fallen leaves crimson. He was dying. Yet, his eyes burned with an unyielding fire. "I, Lin Xuan, have cultivated for 3 100 years, overcoming 90-9 heavenly tribulations. I never imagined I would fall here, betrayed by my own sworn brother..." Just as his consciousness began to fade, a blinding golden light erupted from the heavens. A colossal golden tome descended from the sky, its pages fluttering as if turned by an unseen hand. Ancient, inscrutable characters swirled around it, emanating an aura of primordial majesty. The next moment, Lin Xuan felt his soul being torn from his body. A searing pain engulfed him, followed by absolute darkness. *** "Wake up, Young Master Lin! The aptitude test is about to begin!" A frantic voice pierced through the haze in his mind. Lin Xuan's eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at an unfamiliar wooden ceiling. The scent of medicinal herbs and old paper filled the air. He sat up abruptly, his body feeling strangely weak and small. Looking down, he saw the slender, pale hands of a youth. This was not his own body. Memories, both his and another's, flooded his mind. This body's original owner was also named Lin Xuan, a 15-year-old disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. He came from a humble background and possessed mediocre talent, often bullied by his peers. Yesterday, during a sparring session, he had been severely injured by a senior disciple and had succumbed to his wounds. And now, he, the exalted Celestial Venerable Lin Xuan, had been reborn in this youth's body. "A second chance..." Lin Xuan murmured, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He examined his new body and couldn't help but frown. The meridians were narrow and clogged, the dantian dull and lifeless. This was truly the worst cultivation aptitude he had ever seen. However, the vast knowledge and 3 100 years of cultivation experience from his previous life remained intact within his soul. More importantly, he could sense that mysterious golden tome quietly residing within his consciousness. "Let's begin then," Lin Xuan whispered to himself, a faint, determined smile gracing his lips. Since fate had granted him this opportunity, he would once again tread the path of cultivation, reclaiming all that was his! He rose and changed into the standard disciple's blue robe. Just as he was about to leave, the door was violently kicked open. A burly youth stood at the doorway, his face full of contempt. "Lin Xuan, you worthless trash! Hand over your monthly allocation of 3 spirit stones, and I might just let you off the hook for yesterday's beating." Lin Xuan recognized him—Zhao Gang, the very 1 who had beaten the original Lin Xuan to death. In the past, the timid Lin Xuan would have trembled in fear, but now... "Scram." Lin Xuan's voice was calm, devoid of any emotion. Zhao Gang was momentarily stunned, then his face contorted with rage. "You dare talk back to me? It seems yesterday's lesson wasn't enough!" He stepped forward, his palm striking out with a fierce gust of wind—the elementary martial skill, Raging Wind Palm. To an ordinary person, this strike could shatter bones and rupture organs. A cold gleam flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. Although his current cultivation was negligible, his combat experience and insight were that of a Celestial Venerable. Zhao Gang's movement was full of openings. Just as the palm was about to connect, Lin Xuan subtly shifted his stance. His right finger, gathering the faintest wisp of spiritual energy, precisely struck a specific acupoint on Zhao Gang's arm. "Ah!" Zhao Gang screamed in agony, his entire arm going numb. The spiritual energy in his meridians surged chaotically, causing him to stagger and fall to the ground. "How... how is this possible?" Zhao Gang looked at Lin Xuan in horror, as if seeing a ghost. Lin Xuan stepped forward, looking down at Zhao Gang from above. His gaze was so piercing it seemed to see right through him. "From today onward, if you dare trouble me again, I will make you wish you were dead." His tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable authority that made Zhao Gang shudder. At that moment, a clear bell echoed through the mountains. The aptitude test was about to begin. Lin Xuan paid no further mind to Zhao Gang, who was still cowering on the ground. He straightened his robes and strode out the door. Outside, the morning mist had yet to fully dissipate, and the mountain peaks were shrouded in a hazy veil. Counteous disciples in blue robes were heading towards the main square. Lin Xuan took a deep breath, the rich spiritual energy of this world filling his lungs. Although this body's aptitude was poor, with the golden tome and the cultivation methods from his previous life, he was confident he could once again stand at the pinnacle of this world. His gaze swept across the distant mountains, a trace of anticipation flickering in his eyes. The path of cultivation was long and arduous, filled with countless trials and tribulations. But he, Lin Xuan, was ready to face them all. He stepped forward, merging into the stream of disciples. A brand-new journey was about to begin.