24: Tushenjian

The next morning, after a night of rest, Yao Delong arrived at Lin Qingxue's small courtyard again, feeling full of energy.

In his hand, he held a small, exquisite vanity box carved from spiritual jade, containing an Ice Formation within.

It was inlaid with several ice-blue crystals that emitted a faint chill, making it look very delicate.

“Is Junior Sister there?” Yao Delong called out from outside the courtyard.

The courtyard gate opened, and Lin Qingxue's elegant figure appeared.

She seemed to have just finished her morning practice, with faint beads of sweat on her forehead and a few strands of hair clinging to her fair neck.

In her cold demeanor, there was a rare hint of laziness.

Seeing Yao Delong, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes, especially when she saw the jade box in his hand, which was clearly a woman's item.

The corners of her cold lips couldn't help but turn up slightly.

“You worked hard yesterday, Junior Sister. This is just a small trifle to serve as a thank-you gift.”

Yao Delong smiled and handed over the jade box.

Lin Qingxue took the jade box; it felt cool and moist in her hand. Its exquisite carving and the ice-blue crystals perfectly matched the temperament of her ice-based Cultivation Technique.

She was delighted in her heart, but on the surface, she only gave a faint nod: “Senior Brother is very thoughtful.”

She carefully put the jade box away and asked, “Has Senior Brother come today for a particular matter?”

“Indeed,” Yao Delong said seriously. “To refine a Medicinal Pill, I need to find a place where the Qi of the earth veins can be channeled. I wonder if Junior Sister knows where such a precious place exists within the sect?”

“Channelling the Qi of the earth veins?” Lin Qingxue's elegant eyebrows rose slightly as she thought for a moment.

“If you want to channel pure and powerful earth vein Qi, the 'Earth God Ravine' of Tuyao Peak is the most suitable! That is the core of Tuyao Peak's earth veins; the aura there is majestic and heavy.”

“Tuyao Peak? Then I must ask Junior Sister to introduce me.” Yao Delong was delighted.

“Since it's Senior Brother's business, I, Qingxue, will naturally do my best.”

Lin Qingxue nodded and immediately summoned the Ice Spirit Flying Sword. “There's no time to lose; let's go to Tuyao Peak now to pay our respects to Senior Martial Uncle Black River of the Earth!”

Tuyao Peak was just as its name suggested, its entire body composed of a dark brown, hard rock.

It was towering and majestic, emitting a heavy and powerful aura of the earth.

With Lin Qingxue leading the way, the two quickly arrived at the Peak Revered Master's main hall.

On the main seat inside the hall sat an exceptionally burly and robust middle-aged man.

His skin was bronze-colored, and his muscles were knotted like cast steel.

He had a square Face, thick eyebrows, and tiger-like eyes; he carried an air of authority without needing to be angry, looking like a volcano that could erupt at any moment!

This was the Peak Revered Master of Tuyao Peak, Black River of the Earth! His cultivation was even at the same level as Yao Delong's Revered Master: the Late Stage Soul Transformation.

The heavy pressure he emitted made Yao Delong feel as if his breathing was somewhat labored.

“Disciples Lin Qingxue and Yao Delong pay our respects to Senior Martial Uncle Black!” Lin Qingxue led Yao Delong in a respectful salute.

“Hmm?” Black River of the Earth raised his tiger-like eyes, his gaze sweeping over the two like a physical hammer.

His gaze lingered briefly on Lin Qingxue, and he gave a slight nod, seemingly recognizing her.

When his gaze fell upon Yao Delong, there was a hint of imperceptible indifference in his scrutiny.

“The little girl from Luoxia Peak, and... Martial Nephew Yao? What business brings you two to my Tuyao Peak?”

Lin Qingxue took a step forward and explained their purpose on his behalf.

“Reporting to Senior Martial Uncle Black, my Senior Brother Yao Delong wishes to refine a certain Medicinal Pill. He needs to channel pure earth vein Qi for the tempering process. We heard that the 'Earth God Ravine' under Senior Martial Uncle's peak is a gathering place for earth veins, so we have specifically come to ask for Senior Martial Uncle's permission to borrow its use.”

“Channelling earth vein Qi for Alchemy?” Black River of the Earth's coarse eyebrows shot up, and he looked at the gaunt Yao Delong with interest.

“Martial Nephew Yao certainly has grand ambitions. The Earth God Ravine is one of the earth vein hubs of my peak. Those who are not Disciples of this peak are not allowed to enter without permission...”

“Senior Martial Uncle,” Lin Qingxue hurriedly added.

“Senior Brother only asks to borrow a small amount of earth vein Qi. He has no intention of interfering with the hub, let alone damaging the earth veins. We ask for Senior Martial Uncle's favor!” Her words were earnest.

Black River of the Earth pondered for a moment, seemingly weighing the decision. Finally, he waved his large hand.

“Fine! For the sake of your Revered Master's Face, and because you, little girl, came here personally.”

He said in a deep voice toward the outside of the hall, “Li Ya!”

“Disciple is here!” A robust, lean-faced young man wearing earth-yellow martial attire walked quickly into the hall.

His aura was steady and thick; he was impressively at the Middle Golden Core Stage!

“Take them to the outskirts of the Earth God Ravine and point out the location. Tell them the rules and taboos; they must not go deep!” Black River of the Earth commanded.

“As you command!” Li Ya cupped his hands and accepted the order.

“Many thanks, Senior Martial Uncle Black!” Lin Qingxue and Yao Delong quickly thanked him.

After leaving the main hall, Li Ya's attitude was initially quite cold, behaving in a purely business-like manner.

Yao Delong approached quietly, and with a flick of his sleeve, a heavy small cloth bag slid into Li Ya's hand.

Li Ya was slightly startled. After a sweep of his Divine Sense, a glint of light instantly flashed in his eyes!

It was a full twenty pieces of warm Mid-Grade Spirit Stones!

For a Disciple at the Middle Golden Core Stage, this was definitely a significant amount of wealth!

The coldness on his Face instantly melted away, replaced by a warm, enthusiastic smile.

“Senior Brother Yao, Junior Sister Lin, this way please!” Li Ya's tone became much friendlier, and he even took the initiative to lead the way and chat.

“Senior Brother is going to the Earth God Ravine to channel earth vein Qi; that is indeed a wise move! The earth vein Qi in that place is pure and heavy, the best in the Southern Wilderness! However...”

His tone shifted, and his expression became a bit more serious.

“The depths of the Earth God Ravine lead directly to the core of the earth veins and are exceptionally dangerous! Not only is the earth Qi inside as heavy as a mountain, but it has also bred many powerful earth-attribute Yao Beasts!”

“First and Second Rank Yao Beasts (corresponding to Qi Refining) can be seen everywhere on the outskirts. Third and Fourth Rank (corresponding to Foundation Establishment) also frequently appear. There are even rumors that in the extreme depths, there are terrifying existences at the Fifth Rank (Golden Core) or even higher!”

“Above the Tenth Rank Yao Beasts, there are legendary Yao Kings and Yao Emperors... they are definitely not ones we can afford to provoke!”

As Li Ya spoke, he took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Yao Delong.

“This is a map of the Earth God Ravine's outskirts, marking the relatively safe areas and several known earth vein nodes. Senior Brother and Junior Sister, remember, you must never go beyond the range of the map!”

“And you must not enter those areas marked with red skulls! Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable!”

Yao Delong solemnly accepted the Jade Slip: “Thank you for the reminder, Junior Brother Li!”

The three of them soon arrived at the entrance of a massive rift valley.

Looking out, the dark brown mountain rocks looked as if they had been carved by knives and axes. The rift valley was so deep that the bottom could not be seen.

A heavy, ancient flow of earth-yellow air with a vast aura rolled and flowed at the mouth of the valley like a physical curtain.

It was earth vein Qi concentrated to the extreme!

“This is the place.” Li Ya stopped at the mouth of the valley and pointed to the churning earth-yellow air currents ahead.

“The further in you go, the denser the earth vein Qi, but the pressure will also be stronger, and the Yao Beasts more powerful. Senior Brother and Junior Sister, please be careful! I shall take my leave now.”

Yao Delong looked at the rift valley before him, which was like the open maw of a prehistoric beast.

Feeling the heavy pressure blowing against his Face, his heart was nonetheless filled with anticipation!