42: Spiritual Vein Qi

Chen Xu's face was a bit pale, and the spiritual power within his body was almost depleted!

He also had several wounds on his body, his clothes torn, looking quite disheveled.

However, the Star-Galloping Wolf King opposite him was even more severely injured.

His proud white scales were now covered in cracks and sword wounds!

Several of them were deep enough to show bone, and golden blood had almost dyed him into a blood wolf.

His aura had also weakened considerably.

The look in his eyes towards Chen Xu no longer held the previous ferocity!

He couldn't understand why this human was so powerful!

His spiritual power seemed endless, and his techniques were inexhaustible.

Chen Xu took a deep breath; he knew his limit was here.

He could rely on his profound Foundation and combat skills to contend with a Mid-stage Golden Core Yao Beast!

He could even suppress the opponent, but killing him was almost impossible.

The opponent's vitality was too tenacious.

If they continued fighting, it would be a lose-lose situation.

The purpose of the probing had been achieved; there was no need to fight to the death.

Chen Xu glanced at the Star-Galloping Wolf King opposite him, then at Mountain Suppressor, who was hidden in the high sky, and slowly put away his flowing cloud sword.

Seeing this, the Star-Galloping Wolf King cautiously retreated two steps and let out a low growl, seemingly as a warning.

Chen Xu ignored him, turned, and flew back to the green feather boat on his Flying Sword.

The Star-Galloping Wolf King saw that he had no intention of fighting further!

He hesitated for a moment, then finally gave an unwilling glance in Wu Wan's direction, turned, and limped into the depths of the dense forest, disappearing.

"Father!"

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan immediately gathered around, their faces filled with worry and admiration.

"I'm fine; I'll rest for a bit and then prepare for the return trip."

Chen Xu waved his hand, swallowed a Qi recovery pill, and began to regulate his breathing.

At this moment, Wu Wan arrived, supported by her two Junior Sisters, who were also severely wounded.

They came before the green feather boat and bowed deeply to Chen Xu.

"Wu Wan of the Wu Family of Houtu Prefecture, thank you, Head of the Chen Family, for saving our lives! This kindness and virtue, our entire Wu Family will never forget!"

Wu Wan's tone was incredibly sincere.

If not for Chen Xu's intervention, all three of them would have surely died today.

"It was merely a small effort."

Chen Xu opened his eyes and said calmly.

"To the Head of the Chen Family, it was a small effort, but to us three sisters, it was a life-saving grace; thank you!"

Wu Wan said respectfully again.

"Let's not talk about this for now... I've expended a lot in this battle and need to regulate my breathing promptly!"

"I see that Fellow Daoists' auras are also chaotic; why not come aboard and rest for a while?"

Chen Xu, however, shook his head and said.

Upon hearing this, the three female Cultivators exchanged glances.

Then they nodded!

After all, their condition at this time was truly worrying.

If they didn't regulate their breathing promptly, problems might arise!

"Since that's the case... then we shall trouble you!"

...On the green feather boat, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

Chen Xu sat cross-legged at the bow of the boat, regulating his breathing.

His battle with the Golden Core great Yao Beast had consumed a tremendous amount!

But the gains were equally significant; he had a new understanding of his own strength and the Golden Core Realm.

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan stood by, their expressions respectful.

Their eyes held undisguised admiration, not daring to disturb him.

Chu Xuan and the ten Shadow Guards quietly tended to the wounds of the two Golden-Eyed Vultures!

And carefully protected the five eagle eggs.

On the other side, Wu Wan and her two Junior Sisters had also swallowed Medicinal Pills and were circulating their Cultivation Technique to heal their injuries.

Their injuries were not light, especially Wu Wan, who had taken a direct blow from the Star-Galloping Wolf King, causing tremors in her internal organs.

If Chen Xu hadn't intervened in time, she might have already perished.

After about an hour, Chen Xu slowly opened his eyes.

His spiritual power had recovered by seventy to eighty percent!

His complexion had also become much rosier.

As soon as he stood up, Wu Wan immediately stopped healing and, with her two Junior Sisters, struggled to walk over.

They bowed deeply to Chen Xu once again.

"Head of the Chen Family, words cannot express our gratitude."

"If not for your intervention today, we three sisters would have long become food for that beast."

Wu Wan's voice was incomparably sincere, her eyes filled with gratitude: "This kindness, our Wu Family of Houtu Prefecture will surely remember."

"Fellow Daoist Wu is too polite; it was just a small effort."

Chen Xu waved his hand and said.

He glanced at the Star-Galloping Wolf King cub, still unconscious in Wu Wan's arms.

This little thing was the source of all the trouble.

"Father, they..."

Chen Tongyuan, standing by, couldn't help but want to say something, but Chen Daoxuan stopped him with a look.

Chen Tongyuan felt a little indignant.

These three had caused such big trouble, almost dragging them down with them.

Not only did Father save them, but was he also going to let them take away the culprit?

Chen Xu naturally saw his son's thoughts!

He asked faintly, "Fellow Daoist Wu, forgive my presumption, but this Star-Galloping Wolf King is a Mid-stage Golden Core great Yao Beast; why did you provoke him?"

Wu Wan's face showed a hint of bitterness; she hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed and said, "To be honest, Head of the Chen Family, an elder in my Wu Family injured his Foundation in a fight with someone years ago, and his Lifespan is almost exhausted."

"We consulted countless ancient texts and finally found a Pill Formula!"

"It requires the heart blood of a Golden Core Realm Yao Beast cub as anlead, supplemented by several thousand-year-old Spirit Medicines, to refine a furnace of Heaven-Returning Pills to extend his life."

"The Star-Galloping Wolf King in this Flowing Cloud Mountain Range was the only target we found."

She paused, then continued, "We originally intended to secretly take the cub while the Wolf King was out hunting, take a drop of heart blood, and immediately send it back, but we didn't expect to still alarm him."

"It was our lack of skill, and we were too presumptuous."

So it was to save someone.

Chen Xu understood; in this Cultivation world, it was common to risk one's life for Family or for the Dao.

"By the way..."

Wu Wan seemed to remember something; she took out a cyan Jade Slip engraved with the character 'Wu' from her Storage Pouch and offered it with both hands: "Head of the Chen Family, this is the token of my Wu Family!"

"In the future, if the Head of the Family has any instructions, just present this Jade Slip at any Wu Family shop in Houtu Prefecture, and our entire Wu Family will surely obey even if it means death."

Chen Xu glanced at it, did not refuse, and reached out to take it.

It was always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.

The Wu Family of Houtu Prefecture was famous for Artifact Refining!

Perhaps there would be a need for them in the future.

"Thank you, Head of the Chen Family, for your generosity. We are injured and will not disturb you further. Farewell."

Wu Wan bowed again, then, with her two Junior Sisters and the cub, summoned her Flying Sword.

They flew shakily into the distance.

Watching their retreating figures, Chen Tongyuan finally couldn't help but say, "Father, you just let them go? That little wolf cub is the offspring of a Golden Core great Yao Beast! He will surely be extraordinary in the future, and all this trouble was caused by them..."

Chen Xu shook his head and said faintly, "A cub whose growth is unknown, to my Chen Family, is of little value and would instead be a trouble."

"Exchanging it for the favor of a second-rate Artifact Refining Family is not a loss."

He patted his son's shoulder: "Dao Xuan, Tongyuan, you must remember that many times, connections are more important than visible benefits. Our Chen Family still has a long way to go; we cannot only focus on the present."

"Your sons have been taught."

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan responded in unison, their admiration for their father deepening.

"Alright, the gains from this trip are sufficient; we should also head back."

At Chen Xu's command, the green feather boat glowed again, transforming into a green rainbow, flying at full speed towards Ninghai Town... Chen Family Mansion.

When the green feather boat landed steadily on the rear mountain square, Bu Yifan, Sun Xiaoyue, and several other ladies, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately came forward to greet them.

"Husband, you're back!"

"Father!"

Seeing Chen Xu return safely, everyone's hanging hearts finally settled.

"I'm fine; I made you all worry."

Chen Xu smiled as he comforted everyone.

Returning to the familiar study, after dismissing the servants!

Chen Tongyuan vividly recounted the experiences of this trip, especially his father's heroic deeds in battling the Golden Core great Yao Beast, with added embellishments.

The ladies and those who stayed behind, like Chen Qiming, listened with bated breath.

Their gazes towards Chen Xu were filled with worry and admiration.

"Husband, you... you really fought with a Golden Core great Yao Beast?"

Bu Yifan pulled Chen Xu's sleeve, her eyes slightly red: "You must not take such risks again in the future; if anything were to happen to you, what would become of our large Family?"

"Yes, Husband, your safety is the Foundation of the Family."

Sun Xiaoyue also said softly, her clear, cold eyes full of concern.

Chen Xu's heart warmed; he held Bu Yifan's hand and smiled: "Don't worry, I have my limits; if I weren't confident, I wouldn't act rashly. See, haven't I returned safe and sound?"

He then looked at Sun Xiaoyue and asked, "In the days I've been away, has anything happened at home?"

Sun Xiaoyue nodded, saying with a somewhat strange expression, "Everything is fine at home, except... except for the Golden-Eyed Lion you brought back, Husband; three days ago, it suddenly went berserk, broke through the Formation in the backyard, and flew towards the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range."

Daoist Yuqing, standing by, stroked his beard and added with lingering fear, "Head of the Family, that Spirit Beast... is not simple. The trace of aura it leaked when it left made this old Daoist's heart pound even from afar!"

"I'm afraid... it's at least peak third-tier, or even..."

He didn't dare to voice that guess.

Chen Xu's expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, "No worries; it's being fostered here by a good friend of mine. A few days ago, I encountered some trouble in the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range and sent it a message; it rushed to help."

"Look, hasn't it returned?"

Everyone followed his gaze outside the window.

They saw the magnificent Golden-Eyed Lion, which had reappeared in the courtyard at some unknown time, lazily lying on the grass, basking in the sun, as if nothing had happened.

Only then did everyone realize that it had gone to assist in the fight.

However, the identity of this "good friend" of Chen Xu, who could raise such a terrifying Spirit Beast, became even more mysterious and unfathomable.

After comforting his Family, Chen Xu began to tally the gains from this trip.

True Person Yueying's Immortal Cave was the biggest gain of this trip.

That Jade Slip, recording his lifelong Alchemy Dao and Formation insights!

Chen Xu solemnly handed it to his second son, Chen Lean.

"Lean, you must diligently study this Jade Slip and not slack off. I will have people transplant the Spirit Medicines in the medicinal garden to the Family medicinal garden as soon as possible. From now on, the supply of Medicinal Pills for my Chen Family will depend on you."

"Yes, Father! Your son will not fail your expectations!"

Chen Lean excitedly took the Jade Slip, treating it as a precious treasure.

The Magic Treasures and Materials from True Person Yueying's Storage Ring were all deposited into the Family treasury by Chen Xu.

And that Pill Formula for the infant dust pill was even more important, and he kept it separately.

This pill was related to whether the Family could produce a Golden Core True Person in the future, making its significance extraordinary.

As for the thousand-plus rare Spirit Medicines, several madams personally led people to carefully transplant them into the herb garden on the back mountain.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Chen Xu even used True Person Yueying's Formation insights.

He rearranged a Spirit Gathering Formation for the herb garden.

Finally, there were the two peak second-tier Golden-Eyed Vultures and five eagle eggs.

"System, use the beast enclosure blueprint."

"Ding! Beast enclosure blueprint used successfully. Please select a construction location, Host."

Chen Xu chose a secluded valley in the back mountain as the location.

As his thought confirmed, a giant beast enclosure, conjured out of thin air by the System's power, rose from the ground.

The beast enclosure came with its own defensive and spirit-gathering effects, making it an excellent place to raise high-tier Yao Beasts.

He placed the two Golden-Eyed Vultures within it and put the five eagle eggs into the incubation nest inside the enclosure.

"These vultures are called Golden-Eyed Vultures. From now on, they will be our Chen Family's mountain-guarding Spirit Beasts, responsible for aerial reconnaissance."

Chen Xu announced to everyone.

With these two flying beasts, comparable to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, the Chen Family's defense System undoubtedly reached a new level.

After dealing with these matters, Chen Xu assessed the Family's current situation.

The herb garden was flourishing, the Spirit Beasts were in place, and the Family's Luck and Foundation were steadily improving.

But the shortcomings were equally obvious!

The lack of high-end skilled talents was still the biggest Bottleneck restricting the Family's development.

Talismans, Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formations—these hundred arts of Cultivation!

Currently, in the Chen Family, besides himself, there was not a single person who could truly stand out.

"It seems the Family members' training plan must be accelerated."

Chen Xu made a decision in his heart, and he secluded himself in the Cultivation chamber.

The battle with the Star-Galloping Wolf King made him realize clearly that although his Foundation was solid.

His offensive methods were still somewhat singular.

Facing a true Golden Core Realm Cultivator, he still felt somewhat powerless.

From True Person Yueying'srelics, he found a sword art called "Overturning Sea Sword Art."

This was not some peerless Cultivation Technique, but merely a water-attribute sword technique.

However, its advantage was its high compatibility with his Returning Sea Tide Origin Art.

It emphasized using softness to overcome hardness, continuous flow, and possessed considerable power.

Soon, Chen Xu cultivated this "Overturning Sea Sword Art" to the Minor Achievement Realm, adding another offensive method to his arsenal.

A few days later, he called his eldest son, Chen Qiming, to the study.

"Qiming, has your Talisman Dao art made any progress recently?"

"Reporting, Father, your son has diligently studied day and night and can now stably draw Low Grade second-tier Talismans, but the success rate is still not high."

Chen Qiming respectfully replied.

"Not bad."

Chen Xu nodded. For his age, he was considered to have excellent talent... He took out a book of Talisman Dao insights he had personally transcribed and handed it over: "These are some of my early insights, recording the key points for drawing second-tier Talismans. Take them and study them carefully. If you have any questions, you can always come and ask me."

"Thank you, Father!"

Chen Qiming took it with both hands, as if he had received a priceless treasure.

"Go, remember, haste makes waste. In the Talisman Dao, the state of mind is most important."

Chen Xu waved his hand.

After Chen Qiming respectfully withdrew, Chen Xu sat alone in the study, his gaze profound.

Qiming is steady, suitable for the Talisman Dao.

Lean is meticulous, capable in Alchemy.

Dao Xuan and Tongyuan, with their Cultivation, are the Family's martial pillars.

Everything was developing in a good direction, but Chen Xu always had a sense of urgency in his heart.

Whether it was the Talisman Dao or Alchemy, cultivating talents who could stand on their own would take at least ten years.

And he himself, though his combat power far exceeded others of his Realm, was still only in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

The battle with the Star-Galloping Wolf King made him clearly realize that between the Golden Core Realm and the Foundation Establishment Realm, there was an insurmountable chasm.

If not for his unbelievably solid Foundation.

And the trump card of Mountain Suppressor, the outcome of that day would have been uncertain.

The Chen Family, this large tree, seemed to have flourishing branches and leaves, but its main trunk was not yet strong enough.

His own Foundation was created by the System, unique.

But what about the others?

Sun Xiaoyue had failed Foundation Establishment before, leaving hidden dangers.

Even Dao Tongyuan and Qiming followed the path of ordinary Cultivators.

With such a Foundation, their hope of breaking through to Golden Core in the future was slim.

Just as Chen Xu was pondering.

In his mind, the System's notification sound rang out again.

"Ding! Detecting that the Host's Family development has encountered a Bottleneck, the Family Foundation Enhancement Mission has been released!"

"Mission Guidance: Foundation Establishment has three Realms: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Human Path Foundation Establishment, achieved through external Medicinal Pills, results in a mixed Foundation and limited achievements, chosen by 99% of Cultivators in the world. Earth Path Foundation Establishment, drawing the Qi of a Spiritual Vein into the body and merging with the earth, results in profound magical power, combat power far exceeding those of the same Realm, and increased Lifespan. Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, seizing the creation of heaven and earth, is perfect and flawless, one in a million throughout history."

"Mission Release: Seek Spiritual Vein"

"Mission Description: Three thousand li east of the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range, deep beneath Wangyun Cliff, lies an ownerless Spiritual Vein. Please proceed, Host, to collect the Qi of the Spiritual Vein and reshape the Foundation for your Family members."

"Mission Reward: Family Luck +1000, Family Building [Artifact Refining Pavilion] Blueprint x1, Host's Cultivation +30 years."

Foundation Establishment has three Realms! Earth Path Foundation Establishment!

How could he have forgotten about this!

That's right! Since the Family's main trunk is still lacking, then strengthen the main trunk!

And Cultivation is the root of everything!

As long as there are enough Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the Family, and all of them can undergo Earth Path Foundation Establishment!

Then the Family's development will surely reach a higher level!

This was simply a pillow sent when one was sleepy!

A Heaven-Defying Opportunity!

"Wangyun Cliff..."

Chen Xu immediately stood up, walked to the map in the study, and quickly found the location.

It was an area that had never been extensively explored by Cultivators.

Legend had it that perennial yin winds capable of tearing Divine Sense blew there, the environment was harsh, resources were scarce, and thus, it was rarely visited.

Who would have thought that beneath such a desolate place!

Such a Heaven-Defying treasure was hidden.

Without further ado.

Chen Xu immediately gathered all core members in the deliberation hall.

"Father, you mean... all our Family's future Cultivators can undergo Earth Path Foundation Establishment?"

Chen Daoxuan's voice was a little dry.

As an Inner Sect Disciple of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, and having undergone Earth Path Foundation Establishment himself!

He naturally knew the benefits of Earth Path Foundation Establishment and what it meant for the Family.

"Correct."

Chen Xu nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Human Path Foundation Establishment is the norm. But our Chen Family cannot stop at the norm."

He looked at Sun Xiaoyue and Chu Yuer, his eyes gentle: "Xiaoyue, Yu'er, you two have not yet reached Foundation Establishment. This is your Opportunity. With the Qi of the Spiritual Vein for Foundation Establishment, your future achievements will far surpass what they are now."

Sun Xiaoyue covered her mouth, her eyes misty.

Chu Yuer was also greatly shaken. She clenched her fists, her face full of excitement.

"What about us?"

Chen Tongyuan asked eagerly: "Father, we have already reached Foundation Establishment, is there still a chance?"

"Yes."

Chen Xu's answer was firm and decisive, "However, the process will be more perilous, requiring the abandonment of one's Cultivation and re-Cultivation, reshaping the Dao Foundation with the Qi of the Spiritual Vein. Tongyuan, do you dare to try?"

Abandoning Cultivation and re-Cultivating!

At these four words, his expression changed.

This meant they had to destroy the Cultivation they had painstakingly cultivated for many years and start over.

The risks involved were self-evident.

But after only a moment of hesitation, Chen Tongyuan raised his head, his eyes full of determination: "Your son is willing! Without becoming Golden Core, one is ultimately an ant. Rather than live a mediocre life, it's better to give it a try!"

"Your son is also willing!"

Chen Xu's other Foundation Establishment children followed closely, speaking loudly.

"Good!"

Chen Xu's face showed a relieved smile: "As expected of my Chen Xu's children!"

He stood up and said in a deep voice: "Without further ado, I will personally go to Wangyun Cliff to retrieve the Qi of the Spiritual Vein for you. Dao Xuan, Tongyuan, you two will accompany me. This trip is also a good experience."

"Family affairs will still be handled by the madams and Daoist Yuqing. Mountain Suppressor, continue to guard my home."

...The next day, the green feather boat ascended into the sky once more.

This time, the destination was directly Wangyun Cliff.

Wangyun Cliff lived up to its name; the closer they got, the darker the sky became, and a chilling aura permeated the air.

Streaks of visible black gale winds, like specters, weaved through the rocks, emitting mournful howls that made one's heart palpitate.

The green feather boat's defensive light shield rippled under the onslaught of these gale winds.

"What powerful yin winds. If a Qi Refining Cultivator were here, they would probably be torn to shreds instantly."

Chen Tongyuan said, standing by the ship's rail, with lingering fear.

Chen Xu controlled the Flying Boat, following the System's map guidance, and landed in a relatively gentle valley on Wangyun Cliff.

"This is it."

He stepped off the Flying Boat, his Divine Sense spreading out!

He soon stopped before an inconspicuous mountain wall.

Without much explanation, he directly summoned his flowing cloud sword, his magical power surging, and struck down fiercely at the mountain wall.

Boom!

The mountain wall shattered in response, revealing a bottomless, pitch-black cave entrance.

A colder, damper aura spewed out from the cave.

"Stay close to me."

Chen Xu led the way, leaping into the cave. Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan followed closely behind.

Inside the cave was a winding underground tunnel!

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the scene before them suddenly opened up.

They arrived in a massive undergroundcave.

The dome of thecave was embedded with countless glowing crystals, illuminating the place as brightly as day.

And in the center of thecave was a colossal, bottomless underground abyss.

Strands of earthy yellow Qi were slowly rising from beneath the abyss!

Each strand of Qi felt incredibly heavy, as if carrying the power of the earth.