The Qilin Clan Sets Its Terms: The Spirit Vein Core Is Off-Limits, but the Escaping Essence Qi Is Negotiable
Outside Xuanhuang Ridge, several wisps of pale yellow spiritual mist flowed slowly along the mountainside. Qi Yan stood in front of the Vein-Guarding Restraining Patterns, first revealing the locations of several nearby Wu Shi tributaries, before looking at Lu Yuan suspended in the Sea of Clouds.
"Since you wish to draw upon the Earth Spirit Essence Qi long-term, I will first explain the rules." Qi Yan raised its forehoof, and a relatively thick vein of earth energy gradually lit up. "These main veins are responsible for nourishing a large area of mountains and rivers near Xuanhuang Ridge. The core within them cannot be disturbed at will; if too much is extracted, the springs and Spirit Plants will suffer as well."
Lu Yuan released his Divine Sense and observed the vein for a moment. He found that the core was indeed connected to many small tributaries, some of which even extended into distant valleys, nourishing a large number of spiritual herbs and ancient trees. He nodded in understanding.
Qi Yan then pointed to several more outer rock crevices. "Every now and then, a portion of the Wu Earth Essence Qi naturally dissipates from the outer perimeter. Over time, this condenses into Xuanhuang Deposited Sand. We collect this regularly anyway, so we can discuss this part."
"Then take what you can usually collect," Lu Yuan answered decisively. "I have no interest in digging up the true core of Spirit Vein; I don't plan to stay at Xuanhuang Ridge forever anyway."
Qi Yan originally wanted to continue emphasizing the importance of protecting the earth's veins, but upon hearing this, he finally smiled. Clearly defining the scope of extraction would make it easier for both sides to get along in the future, at least they wouldn't have to worry about making the mountain crumble every time they extracted its essence.
However, he still needed to confirm the specific exchange method, so he asked, "Xuanhuang Deposited Sand is ultimately a resource of the clan. If you want to obtain it in the long term, I must also explain to the clan. We can't just keep giving it away based on our friendship."
Lu Yuan naturally understood that he had discussed similar matters with the Dragon Clan and Phoenix Clan before. Now that the Qilin Clan controlled the earth spirit resources, it was perfectly normal for them to want to exchange them for equivalent value.
"You can tell me in advance what you need me to do." Lu Yuan thought for a moment, "If it's dealing with evil spirits or helping to block out external threats, as long as it's within my capabilities and the compensation is reasonable, we can discuss it."
Qi Yan's eyes lit up, but he quickly came up with another idea. He felt that since Lu Yuan's physical body was so powerful, it would be more convenient for him to stay on the outskirts of Xuanhuang Ridge for a long time if he encountered chaotic earth energy. So he tentatively asked him if he would be willing to serve as a guardian for a period of time.
After listening, Lu Yuan slowly shook his head. "I'm not going to stay here long-term. I want to find food elsewhere. Besides, my health isn't suitable for staying here indefinitely. If you encounter any trouble, just contact me in advance."
Qi Yue stood aside and took the initiative to help both parties clarify the terms. "We can trade separately for each matter. We'll calculate the reward when you help us. If you just want to absorb the outer sediment, you can exchange it for corresponding resources. This will prevent both of us from being bound by these restrictions for too long."
Lu Yuan listened with satisfaction. "That's appropriate. Everyone has their own things to do; there's no need to schedule our days so rigidly just for a few moments of energy."
After a moment's thought, Qi Yan also felt that this approach was more prudent. The cooperative relationship that Lu Yuan had previously established with the Dragon and Phoenix clans was enough to demonstrate his character. Forcing him to stay for a long time might push away a powerful figure worthy of friendship.
"Alright, I will report the terms we discussed today to the clan." Qi Yan nodded. "I can allocate a batch of the sediment that has accumulated on the outskirts of Xuanhuang Ridge as the basis for future exchanges. We'll verify the exact quantity when we take it."
Several young Qilins were surprised to hear this conversation. Normally, if they wanted to obtain a piece of Xuanhuang Deposited Sand, they would have to cultivate for a long time according to the clan's arrangements. Now that the elder was willing to take the initiative to talk to a giant beast from outside the clan about a long-term exchange, they couldn't help but feel a little envious.
The Blue-Horned Qilin couldn't help but whisper to its red-maned companion, "If he comes to eat the Sand every few days, will there be enough for our Xuanhuang Ridge? I feel like the clump the elder just brought out didn't even taste like anything to him."
The Red-Maned Qilin thought carefully and was also somewhat worried, "But his body is too big. The amount we use for cultivation is really not enough compared to it. I guess we'll have to exchange it for something truly suitable."
Qi Yan heard the two little ones whispering and turned to say, "The peripheral essence naturally accumulates every once in a while, and can be used to extract more..."
"The number is limited, naturally it's predetermined. Nobody said they'd empty Xuanhuang Ridge all at once. Instead of worrying about that, you'd be better off understanding the Earth Vein Restraining Patterns first."
The young Qilins immediately lowered their heads after being told this. Lu Yuan heard it clearly through his Divine Sense and couldn't help but find it a little funny. With his current large appetite, he could easily scare these little guys.
However, he also had his own plans. Although the Wu Earth Essence Qi in Xuanhuang Ridge was good, the main source of growth was still the flesh and blood of the demon god that he had not yet fully digested. Earth element resources were more suitable for helping his bones maintain stability, so there was no need to pursue large-scale absorption every time.
He then inquired about the differences in quality between the sediments from several outer areas of Qi Yan, learning that some of the essence was gentler and suitable for slow absorption, while others had condensed into fine crystals, which, although more effective, took longer to truly integrate into the body.
After Qi Yan patiently explained, Lu Yuan understood better. He had just adapted to a batch of sediment, and continuing to use gentle essence in conjunction with the Demon God Origin would be sufficient. He could try for truly high-quality resources later when his body was stronger.
The two sides finally clarified the main conditions, and Qi Yue breathed a sigh of relief. He brought Lu Yuan to Xuanhuang Ridge with the intention of establishing a normal channel of communication between the Qilin Clan and this giant beast. Now that neither side had to bear any unwilling obligations, it was the perfect solution.
Qi Yan also led several patrolling Qilin to recheck the outer Restraining Patterns, telling them that if Lu Yuan came to collect essence again in the future, they must first confirm which tributaries have accumulated enough and which are still recovering. No one is allowed to open the core seal without authorization just because the other party has a high status.
The Blue-Horned Qilin carefully memorized the rules, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It had been worried that the elders would hand over all the clan's resources to curry favor with the powerful outsider, but now that it understood the rules, it realized that this exchange could both preserve the earth's veins and provide tangible assistance to the Qilin Clan.
Lu Yuan also felt relieved. He could give a heads-up in advance if he needed Wu Earth in the future. If a real troublesome situation arose nearby, he could see if he could help. Both sides had a way out, which naturally made it easier to maintain a long-term relationship.
Just as Qi Yan was about to have the patrolling Qilin tidy up the outer flow-guiding Restraining Patterns, a very slight tremor suddenly came from the northwest side of Xuanhuang Ridge. The movement was hidden deep in the earth and could hardly be felt by ordinary creatures, but Qi Yue suddenly stopped in his tracks.
He released his Divine Sense to trace along the earth's veins and quickly discovered that the tremor was moving towards Xuanhuang Ridge along a certain deep rock vein at a very rapid speed. The rocks along the way seemed to be constantly pushed aside by a force, and the originally stable earth Spiritual Qi also became slightly chaotic.
"What's wrong?" Lu Yuan had already noticed the change in Qi Yue's expression, so he asked slowly, his golden eyes also looking in the northwest direction.
Qi Yue's brows furrowed slightly. "It seems like an old acquaintance has appeared in the nearby underground. It usually likes to follow the Wu Earth Spiritual Qi around, and today it probably caught the scent of the sand we just brought out."
He remembered that when that aura last appeared, the ground in several nearby valleys was turned upside down, and it took the Qilin Clan a long time to stabilize the earth's veins. Now that the aura was heading towards Xuanhuang Ridge again, it was clear that it was not just passing by.
Qi Yan understood the meaning behind Qi Yue's words and immediately ordered the nearby patrols to collect the scattered sand to prevent the high concentration of earth spirit from continuing to drift outwards. The young Qilins, who had just relaxed, also became tense.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yan's expression changed. He quickly re-sensed the northwest earth veins and discovered that several rock layers were indeed slowly vibrating. A clear sense of vigilance appeared in his eyes.
Lu Yuan didn't rush to act. He simply extended his Divine Sense in that direction and after a moment, he sensed a rather fierce Earth Sha aura approaching from the depths of the rock layer, even carrying a trace of the Principle of the Great Luo level.