Earth Vein Spirit Eye

This man was named Liu Zhaoxing, and he was from Liu Yuanchen's grandfather's generation.

Only four or five people remained from their generation, and even the youngest was already over eighty years old.

All of them were at the eighth or ninth level of the Qi Nourishing Realm, considered the Liu Family's hidden strength.

They usually stayed at the Ancestral Grounds, either studying the various arts of cultivation or teaching the younger disciples, and rarely went out.

Only when trouble arose at one of the family's holdings would they leave the Ancestral Grounds to resolve it.

As the Liu Family's second-largest industry, the Salt Marsh facing a threat from Red Sand Wolves was naturally no small matter.

Sending out cultivators of the older generation was perfectly normal.

Liu Yuanchen cupped his hands. "Rest assured, Ninth Great-Uncle. The Wolf King is still within my sensing range."

Liu Zhaoxing nodded in satisfaction. "Lead the way. If we can truly wipe out the Red Sand Wolf pack in one stroke, I'll personally request a reward for you.

"If we're lucky, we might even catch a few wolf cubs."

If they could capture young demonic beasts and raise them from infancy, they could be trained into spirit beasts that understood human nature.

Though Red Sand Wolves were unsuitable as mounts, they were exceptionally capable at patrolling and defending against demonic beasts.

Whether sold or kept for the family to raise, they would be a fine choice.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuanchen followed his connection to the Azure Silk Vine seedling and pursued toward the southwest.

Although the Wolf King had suffered some injuries under the group's siege, it was still quite fast.

Liu Yuanchen had to exert Wood-Shadow Evasion to its fullest just to barely keep up.

The group of four chased from midnight until the eastern sky began to pale, covering nearly two hundred li before the Wolf King finally stopped moving.

Liu Yuanchen panted heavily. "Ninth Great-Uncle, th-the Wolf King has stopped moving. It might... might have reached its den."

Liu Zhaoxing replied without hesitation, "Then we'll be more careful. Keep the noise down and slowly make our way over."

At this moment, they stood on a stony desert plain. Not a single blade of grass or tree could be seen within sight.

Only massive boulders scattered across the wasteland provided cover.

The four restrained their auras and slowly advanced beneath the cover of the boulders.

Before long, the Wolf King came into view.

It stood before a pile of jagged rocks, vigilantly scanning all directions.

Its dark-red fur blended perfectly into the Gobi of the Red Wasteland.

Without close observation, it would have been difficult to spot the Wolf King among the rocks.

The rock pile was formed from several enormous boulders stacked together, with many gaps between them.

Dozens of breaths later, the Wolf King slipped into one of the crevices, and only then did the group relax.

Liu Zhaoxing beamed. "This should be the wolf den.

"That beast is quite clever. It traveled two hundred li to launch a sneak attack on the Salt Marsh. No wonder we could never find its den."

"Judging by how wary the Wolf King was, this den shouldn't be temporary. There may even be a water source inside, perhaps even a Spirit Vein.

"Of the Red Sand Wolves that attacked the Salt Marsh last night, only the Wolf King escaped.

"Now, aside from the Wolf King, the den should only contain the old, weak, sick, and crippled."

"I probed it with Divine Sense. The rock pile has three branching passages large enough for an adult wolf to pass through.

"You three block the passages and prevent the Wolf King from escaping.

"I'll go in myself and kill it."

Liu Yuanchen and the other three accepted the order. They stealthily approached the rock pile first and each guarded one of the branching passages.

Liu Zhaoxing held a silver gleaming longsword and strode directly into one of the passages.

Clang—

A moment later, the sounds of metal striking metal and the Wolf King's miserable howls echoed from within the cave.

After more than ten breaths, Liu Zhaoxing's voice came from inside. "Come in. The Wolf King has already been slain."

Liu Yuanchen entered the center of the rock pile and saw a stone tunnel slanting downward.

After following it down for more than twenty zhang, he arrived in a stone chamber.

This stone chamber was not isolated; three other stone chambers lay nearby.

The chamber connected to the stone tunnel was the largest, measuring ten zhang on each side.

The Wolf King they had seen earlier now lay in a pool of blood at one corner of the chamber. Beside it was the corpse of another adult female wolf.

Two living wolf cubs were still growling at Liu Yuanchen and the others.

Liu Zhaoxing glanced at the cubs. "These two are only one or two months old. They can still be tamed.

"If we take them to Qinghe Town to sell, they should fetch thirty to fifty Spirit Stones."

At the center of the large stone chamber was a small pool more than a foot in diameter, still constantly bubbling.

Clearly, it was a Spring Eye.

The spring water even contained water spiritual energy.

The concentration of water spiritual energy was not low, reaching the upper grade of the first rank.

In the cracks of the rocks beside the Spring Eye, there were unexpectedly six ginseng-type spirit plants.

The highest-ranked among them was even a first-rank upper-grade plant, while the other five were all first-rank middle-grade.

Liu Yuanchen sensed the vitality of the six spirit ginseng plants. There was nothing unusual about five of them.

Instead, the smallest of the first-rank middle-grade spirit ginseng possessed extraordinarily vigorous vitality.

Moreover, somewhere within that spirit ginseng, vitality had gathered as though it were nurturing something.

Yet if examined solely with Divine Sense, no anomaly could be detected.

He secretly resolved that he had to find a way to obtain this unusual spirit ginseng.

Liu Zhaoxing walked to the pool and scooped up some spring water with his hand.

He sniffed it, took a small sip, then immediately spat it out.

A smile appeared on his face. "We are truly fortunate. We actually found an Earth Vein Spirit Eye."

Liu Yuanchen was somewhat puzzled. "Ninth Great-Uncle, I've only heard that Spirit Veins possess Spirit Nexuses. I've never heard of Earth Vein Spirit Eyes."

Liu Zhaoxing smiled. "Few people know of Earth Vein Spirit Eyes. I only came across them in an ancient text.

"Earth Vein Spirit Eyes are similar to Spirit Vein Spirit Nexuses. Both can gush forth spiritual energy.

"To understand the difference between a Spirit Eye and a Spirit Nexus, one must first understand the difference between Earth Veins and Spirit Veins."

"Yuan Chen, you studied at the Azure Elixir Sect for seven or eight years. Do you know the difference between the two?"

Liu Yuanchen cupped his hands. "In reply to Ninth Great-Uncle, your grandson knows.

"Earth Veins are channels through which energy flows beneath the earth. The energy they contain is extremely mixed.

"Spiritual energy, baleful energy, yin energy, yang energy, and all kinds of other energies are present within them, collectively known as Earth Vein Baleful Intent.

"This Earth Vein Baleful Intent is extremely overbearing. Even the fiercest demonic beasts dare not refine it directly.

"If cultivators of the Human Race refine Earth Vein Baleful Intent, they may suffer qi deviation at best and lose their lives at worst."

"Spirit Veins, on the other hand, are branches of Earth Veins. The spiritual energy within them is relatively pure, and cultivators of the Human Race can refine it easily.

"All medium and large Spirit Veins draw their spiritual energy from Earth Veins.

"As for how the baleful energy within Earth Veins becomes the spiritual energy within Spirit Veins, your grandson does not know."

Liu Zhaoxing stroked his long beard and nodded approvingly. "Well said. That is precisely the difference between Spirit Veins and Earth Veins.

"This Earth Vein Spirit Eye is where Earth Vein Baleful Intent is transformed into Spirit Vein spiritual energy.

"It can also be said that an Earth Vein Spirit Eye is the source of a Spirit Vein.

"There is no Spirit Vein beneath this Spring Eye.

"The spring water contains some exceedingly thin Earth Vein Baleful Intent, matching the description of Earth Vein Spirit Eyes recorded in that ancient book."

"Beneath the Earth Vein Spirit Eye, there should be an Earth Vein constantly supplying spiritual energy.

"Given enough time, this Spirit Eye may develop into a Spirit Vein.

"Of course, it may also dry up and become an ordinary Spring Eye."

Upon hearing this, joy appeared on the faces of Liu Qingyun and the other family disciple.

On the Red Wasteland, obtaining a Spirit Vein was extremely difficult.

Even a Spirit Eye with the potential to develop into a Spirit Vein was no small resource.

Among the various family factions, the Liu Family was considered above average, yet it possessed only two Spirit Veins.

There was only one second-rank Spirit Vein, and it was merely a lower-grade second-rank one.

Now that they had gained an Earth Vein Spirit Eye, the family's foundation could be strengthened somewhat.

As the discoverers, they naturally would not receive meager benefits.

Next, everyone stared eagerly at the six spirit ginseng plants.

Liu Zhaoxing saw through the others' thoughts. "According to family rules, any family member who discovers a Spirit Vein outside and reports it to the family may receive a reward.

"All spirit plants and spirit beasts on the Spirit Vein belong to the discoverer.

"Once we report this Earth Vein Spirit Eye to the family, we'll divide the six spirit ginseng plants among ourselves."

"If Yuanchen had not been clever enough to mark the Wolf King, we would have found it difficult to catch up with it.

"Yuanchen deserves the primary credit for discovering this Earth Vein Spirit Eye.

"Of these six spirit ginseng plants, Yuanchen should take two."

"The Earth Vein Spirit Eye contains baleful energy. Since these spirit ginseng plants grow so well here, they must either have adapted to baleful energy or possess some ability to neutralize it.

"Therefore, we'd best not take all six spirit ginseng plants. Leave one here to survive and reproduce.

"The three of us will each take one. If anyone wishes to exchange their spirit ginseng for Spirit Stones, the family can purchase it at market price."

Liu Yuanchen was determined to obtain that small spirit ginseng and hurriedly said, "I think this spirit ginseng is rather unusual. It may be some mutated variety.

"As a Spirit Apothecary, I am quite interested in mutated spirit medicines.

"Of the two spirit ginseng plants allotted to me, I will sell one to the family and take the other to cultivate."

Liu Zhaoxing nodded. "Then you may choose first."

Liu Yuanchen naturally chose the smallest one, digging out the surrounding gravel and mud along with it.

The exposed portion of its root was as white as jade and possessed a luster like oil, as though it had been carved from mutton-fat jade.

Its roots branched extensively, roughly forming the shape of a human figure.

Liu Zhaoxing stroked his beard. "Judging from its appearance, this spirit ginseng should be a type of White Jade Ginseng.

"However, its root has grown into the form of mutton-fat jade, so it should have undergone some mutation.

"Yuanchen, why did you not choose that first-rank upper-grade one and instead pick the smallest?"

White Jade Ginseng was a first-rank upper-grade spirit plant. A few older White Jade Ginseng plants could grow into lower-grade second-rank plants.

The medicinal properties of White Jade Ginseng primarily replenished qi and blood, strengthened sinews and bones, and also had some effect in restoring spiritual power.

Of course, mutated White Jade Ginseng was difficult to judge. Its rank and medicinal effects could be higher or lower.

Liu Yuanchen put on a humble expression. "If not for your methods, Ninth Great-Uncle, even if we had discovered the wolf den, we likely would not have been capable of taking it.

"You have contributed more than I have. That first-rank upper-grade spirit ginseng should rightfully be yours."

Liu Zhaoxing laughed. "Not bad. At such a young age, you already know how to yield to others.

"However, I cannot take advantage of a junior like you.

"That upper-grade spirit ginseng will count as yours as well. The family will compensate you with Spirit Stones later."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyun and the other two family members also stated that they were willing to sell their spirit ginseng to the family.

The four then inspected the other three stone chambers. Every chamber bore traces of artificial excavation.

In one of the chambers, they even discovered a stone table, stone chairs, and a stone bed.

However, all of them were covered in a thin layer of dust.

The surrounding area was all vast Gobi desert, and this stone cave was deep underground, so very little dust could fall inside.

The dust accumulated in the stone chambers indicated that no one had lived there for many years.

Otherwise, it would not have been occupied by Red Sand Wolves.

They found no belongings left behind by cultivators in any of the four stone chambers.

"This stone chamber was likely left behind by ancient cultivators. Even the sleeping quarters are fully arranged. We can absolutely send family cultivators here to stand guard.

"I'll return to the family first and have the family head send people over to guard this place.

"Qing Jian, stay here and watch over it for a few days until the family sends someone to replace you."

With that, Liu Zhaoxing took the two wolf cubs and was the first to leave the stone chamber.

Liu Qingyun and his son left together as well, though they were returning to the Salt Marsh.

After staying at the Salt Marsh for a day, the family sent word that a residence had been arranged for Liu Yuanfu and that they could move in at any time.

Because Liu Qingyun had rendered merit by killing Red Sand Wolves, he was transferred back to the Ancestral Grounds for assignment.

Liu Yuanchen's family boarded one of the family's salt transport ships, left the Salt Marsh, and headed for Dongyang Lake at the Ancestral Grounds.

At the foot of South Mountain on the southern shore of Dongyang Lake stood many houses prepared for family members opening new land. Liu Yuanchen's family was assigned a two-courtyard residence.

Of the two Spirit Veins near Dongyang Lake, one was the lower-grade second-rank Spirit Vein of Dongyang Lake and Eastsun Peak.

The other first-rank upper-grade Spirit Vein was located at South Mountain.

Settling at the foot of South Mountain offered a far better environment than the Salt Marsh.

After settling his family, Liu Yuanchen went with his father to Eastsun Peak's Affairs Hall to collect their reward.

The Affairs Hall still had only the First Elder handling affairs.

When he saw the father and son arrive, he immediately broke into a smile. "Third Brother, Yuanchen, you're here.

"Yuanchen found the wolf den this time, helping the family resolve a major problem. He even discovered an Earth Vein Spirit Eye. That is a tremendous achievement.

"If you had not already joined the Azure Elixir Sect, I truly would have wanted to give you a steward's position."

Liu Yuanchen responded with pleasantries as well. "Whether in the family or at the Azure Elixir Sect, I am still a member of the Liu Family."

The First Elder smiled. "Yuanchen certainly knows how to speak. I discussed it with the family head.

"Yuanchen has rendered great service to the family and also presented the first-rank upper-grade White Jade Ginseng to the family. He must be rewarded."

He took out a storage pouch. "You are usually away from the family and cannot hold a position within it, so we can only reward you with wealth and inheritances.

"This time, you will be rewarded with one hundred Spirit Stones, as well as the alchemy texts the family has collected over the years and copies of the alchemy insights of the family elders.

"Though these inheritances cannot compare to those of the Azure Elixir Sect, they should still be of some use."

Additionally, whenever you purchased resources needed for alchemy from shops run by the family, you would receive a twenty percent discount.

Any pills sold through family shops would be purchased at market price."

Liu Yuanchen was somewhat surprised. The family had been exceptionally generous this time.

A reward of one hundred Spirit Stones was only to be expected, and an alchemy inheritance was nothing particularly remarkable.

What he truly cared about was the twenty percent discount on spirit herbs at family shops, as well as being able to sell pills at market price.

This would greatly increase the profits from alchemy.

Liu Yuanchen accepted the storage pouch. "Thank you, First Elder."

The First Elder nodded and continued, "Third Brother, over the years, you guarded the Salt Marsh and repelled demonic beast harassment more than ten times.

This time, you also rendered considerable service in dealing with the Red Sand Wolf.

In addition, for donating a mid-grade first-rank White Jade Ginseng, you will be awarded thirty Spirit Stones."

"South Mountain plans to open up over a hundred mu of Spirit Fields, but it still lacks a steward.

I recall that you possess a water-attributed Immortal Seed, making you well suited to managing Spirit Fields. You will serve as a steward at the Spirit Plant Hall and take charge of the land reclamation at South Mountain."