Zhōu Yuān sat cross-legged in a temporarily cleared cave. The surroundings were concealed by a simple formation he had set up. While it couldn't completely block the external Corrosive Energy, it made the cave's environment relatively peaceful. In his hand, he held a jade bottle containing Earth Core Stone Milk. This Earth Core Stone Milk could be considered a supreme treasure of heaven and earth, with extremely harsh formation conditions. It needed to be formed deep within the earth, undergoing countless years of sedimentation, with the earth's core power and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth fusing together, and then undergoing special geological changes, before such a spiritual substance could be nurtured.
It was milky white, emitting a soft and warm glow, with threads of spiritual energy subtly escaping. This spiritual energy was incomparably pure, like the most fundamental power in the world. Legend had it that Earth Core Stone Milk was the condensed essence of the earth's veins, possessing miraculous effects such as resurrecting the dead, healing rotten bones, solidifying foundations, and enhancing cultivation. In the cultivation world, even a small drop of Earth Core Stone Milk would trigger a frenzied struggle among countless cultivators, with innumerable forces going to war over it. Currently, the portion of Earth Core Stone Milk in Zhōu Yuān's hand, if leaked, would undoubtedly stir up a bloody storm in the cultivation world.
Taking a deep breath, Zhōu Yuān slowly consumed the Earth Core Stone Milk. Instantly, a majestic yet incredibly gentle energy exploded within his body. This energy flowed like a gurgling stream, rapidly reaching every corner of his body. The hidden injuries sustained from the battle with the Fiend Python were healing at a visible rate under the nourishment of this energy. Within his meridians, the aura that had been slightly unstable due to rapid breakthroughs was now being continuously nourished and solidified by this energy, becoming exceptionally firm. His Dantian, in particular, felt as if it had been injected with new vitality, with Mana churning and surging, seemingly about to break through some kind of restraint.
Zhōu Yuān felt his state reach an unprecedented peak, his entire body filled with power, as if he could shake heaven and earth with every movement. His gaze was firm, and he clutched the remaining Earth Fiend Crystal, beginning to attempt to break through to the fourth level of the "Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Skill."
The pure Earth Fiend Qi from the Earth Fiend Crystal surged out like a tide, entering his body along his palm. With the aid of the Bronze Fragment, this Earth Fiend Qi was efficiently refined into pure Mana, rushing towards the barrier of the fourth level. However, the barrier of the fourth level was several times sturdier than the third. As the surging Mana impacted it, Zhōu Yuān felt the meridians in his body ache unbearably, as if they were about to be burst by this power.
He gritted his teeth, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and soaking his clothes. Each impact felt like struggling against an invisible mountain, incredibly arduous. But Zhōu Yuān did not flinch in the slightest; he had only one belief in his heart: break through!
Yet, things did not go as planned. Despite giving his all and striking repeatedly, he ultimately failed to break through the bottleneck of the fourth level in one go. After the final failed attempt, he felt a sudden disorder in his internal Mana, nearly suffering a qi deviation. Fortunately, his foundation was solid, and he managed to stabilize his mind in time.
Although he failed to achieve his goal, this attempt was not without reward. His Mana had become more condensed, like steel that had been tempered thousands of times, tough and pure. His physical body and meridians, having undergone this cleansing, also became stronger and more resilient, as if capable of holding more power. At this moment, his strength stabilized at the peak of the third level, only a step away from the fourth. However, this single step was as difficult to cross as a celestial chasm.
Zhōu Yuān was not discouraged. He knew well that the path of cultivation was fraught with hardships, and one failure meant nothing. He then shifted his focus to the refined control of Corrosive Energy.
He attempted to cover his body surface with Corrosive Energy, forming a thin layer of Corrosive Aura. As soon as this aura formed, it emitted a cold, dark glow, as if capable of resisting all attacks. However, Zhōu Yuān soon discovered that this state consumed an enormous amount of Mana, and with his current strength, he couldn't maintain it for long. But he did not give up, instead continuously adjusting the distribution and intensity of the Corrosive Energy, striving to find a balance point that could enhance defensive power while reducing Mana consumption.
Concurrently, his proficiency in using the "Sha Sword Finger" also increased. Previously, he could only activate the "Sha Sword Finger" once for a brief period, but now, after continuous practice, he could activate it twice in quick succession. The combined power of these two activations of "Sha Sword Finger" was sufficient to pose a significant threat to cultivators of the same realm.
Just as Zhōu Yuān was diligently cultivating, one day, the entire Earth Fiend Yin Vein suddenly transmitted a faint tremor. This tremor was not obvious at first, like a low rumble from afar, but it soon became increasingly intense.
Following that, an indescribable pressure that made one's soul tremble permeated from the deepest part of the Yin Vein. This oppressive force was like an invisible mountain, crushing Zhōu Yuān, making him unable to breathe. He felt his heart race, his blood seeming to freeze.
Faintly, he seemed to hear a deep, distant, and anciently majestic "Dragon's Roar." The sound seemed to come from the primeval wilderness of ancient times, carrying infinite mystery and majesty, piercing through the boundaries of space and time, striking directly into the depths of Zhōu Yuān's soul. Within this "Dragon's Roar," there seemed to be an irresistible force that involuntarily inspired awe.
At the very instant this "Dragon's Roar" sounded, the Bronze Fragment in Zhōu Yuān's embrace, for the first time, actively emitted an unprecedented heat and vibration. The heat passed through his clothes, burning his skin. The vibration was even more violent, as if the Bronze Fragment wanted to break free from his embrace and fly towards the depths of the Yin Vein.
Zhōu Yuān was greatly alarmed. He held the Bronze Fragment tightly, trying to calm it down. But the Bronze Fragment continued to vibrate uncontrollably, as if it had established some distant resonance with the existence in the depths. However, this feeling was fleeting. Soon, the Bronze Fragment returned to its calm state, but the residual heat left Zhōu Yuān unable to forget it for a long time.
Zhōu Yuān was startled by this oppressive force, breaking out in a cold sweat. He stared wide-eyed towards the direction of the depths of the Yin Vein, his heart filled with fear. The entity that emitted the "Dragon's Roar" was by no means comparable to the Fiend Python; it was on a completely different level. Just a trace of its oppressive force made him feel the threat of death.
However, the anomaly of the Bronze Fragment also aroused his great curiosity and speculation about the depths of the Yin Vein. This Bronze Fragment had a mysterious origin. Since he obtained it, it had always been with him, helping him out of trouble at critical moments. Now, it resonated with the entity in the depths of the Yin Vein – what did this signify? What secrets were hidden in the depths of the Yin Vein?
Zhōu Yuān's heart was in turmoil. On one hand, he was filled with fear of the entity in the depths of the Yin Vein, knowing that with his current strength, venturing there rashly would mean certain death. On the other hand, the anomaly of the Bronze Fragment felt like an invisible hand, gripping his curiosity tightly, making him unable to let go.
"There is such a terrifying existence in the depths of this Yin Vein? That 'Dragon's Roar'... what is it? Why did the fragment resonate with it? Is it a great crisis, or... a heaven-sent opportunity?" Zhōu Yuān muttered to himself, his eyes flickering.
He paced back and forth in the cave, his mind racing. If he didn't investigate, his heart wouldn't be at peace. But if he did investigate, he might face unbearable danger.
Just as he was hesitating, the tremors and oppressive force gradually subsided, and the Yin Vein returned to 'normal.' It was as if everything that had happened was merely an illusion, but Zhōu Yuān knew it was not an illusion; it was real.
He slowly walked out of the temporary dwelling and stood at the cave entrance, looking into the dark depths. The depths seemed like a giant black hole, swallowing all light and hope, while hiding countless secrets and dangers.
Zhōu Yuān's gaze became firm, and he secretly made a decision in his heart: "At least... I have to go to the periphery of the core area to take a look! Even just a distant glimpse will help resolve some of the doubts in my heart."
At this moment, night fell, and the Corrosive Energy churned within the Earth Fiend Yin Vein, like a black ocean.
shuhaige.net Chapter 18: The Secret of the Broken Stela
Zhōu Yuān stood at the beginning of the path leading to the core area of the Yin Vein, his gaze as deep and steady as an abyss. Although the tremors and oppressive force in the temporary cave had subsided, the mysterious call from the depths of the Yin Vein and the unresolved doubts in his heart were like sharp hooks, making him itch with impatience, compelling him to investigate.
This place was already shrouded in thick Corrosive Energy, as if covered by a heavy black curtain that isolated all life and light. The further he went, the more intense the eerie and oppressive feeling became, as if a pair of invisible giant hands were slowly tightening from all directions, choking his throat and making it difficult to breathe.
Zhōu Yuān took a deep breath, adjusted his state to its best, and slowly took the first step. The ground beneath his feet seemed to tremble slightly under the heavy pressure, as if issuing a silent warning. As he moved deeper, the Corrosive Energy became purer and more violent, no longer gently coiling around him as usual, but rushing towards him like a surging tide with the might to overturn mountains and seas. The Corrosive Energy actually began to exert a tangible pressure, heavy like mercury, infiltrating his body and soul relentlessly. With every step, it was like carrying a mountain, his legs feeling as if they were filled with lead, making it incredibly difficult to lift.
This was the domain emanating from the source of the "Dragon's Roar," a power so strong it induced despair. Zhōu Yuān felt his soul ache as if countless fine needles were piercing him simultaneously, causing him such pain that he almost fainted. His forehead was covered in large beads of sweat, which rolled down his cheeks and soaked his clothes.
Just as he felt he was about to collapse, the Bronze Fragment in his embrace, which had been silent, suddenly emitted a warm glow. This light was like a small moon, appearing exceptionally warm and bright in this dark world of Corrosive Energy. The light quickly spread, forming a faint protective shield that enveloped him tightly.
This shield barely offset most of the spiritual pressure, giving Zhōu Yuān's soul a slight chance to breathe. However, the physical pressure remained strong. The tangible Corrosive Energy, like countless invisible hands, fiercely pulled at his body, consuming his immense physical strength and energy with every step forward. He was like a fish swimming against the current, struggling arduamente in the surging tide of Corrosive Energy, each step taken with great difficulty.
After walking for an unknown duration, Zhōu Yuān felt as if he had reached a certain boundary ahead. The Corrosive Energy here was no longer flowing but was almost crystallized, forming patches of pitch-black crystal walls. These crystal walls emitted a cold, dark light, as if condensed from the purest darkness. They were tightly connected, forming an unbreachable barrier.
The oppressive force also reached its peak here, with tangible pressure surging from all directions, making him feel as if his body was about to be crushed. He tried to take another step forward but found his legs as if nailed to the ground, unable to move an inch further. He understood that this was the limit his current strength could reach.
Zhōu Yuān stopped, panting heavily, but his eyes revealed determination and persistence. He slowly took out the Bronze Fragment from his embrace, and with the help of its faint light, began to carefully examine his surroundings. In this area of crystal walls, he discovered a broken stone tablet half-buried in a cluster of crystals.
The stone tablet was made of a material neither stone nor jade, appearing extremely ancient. Its surface was covered with the marks of time and deep cracks, as if narrating the long years and countless stories it had endured. The stone tablet was inscribed with some unrecognizable ancient demonic script (or divine-demonic runes). The lines of these runes were twisted and grotesquely shaped, emitting a mysterious and ancient aura.
Zhōu Yuān's heart stirred, and he slowly approached the stone tablet. When he got within a certain distance, the Bronze Fragment in his embrace suddenly became hot, as if ignited by an invisible force. Immediately, a blurred fragment of information entered his mind.
The fragmented information was intermittent, as if transmitted from the depths of distant spacetime. Words like "Suppress... Underworld... Dragon... Reverse..." echoed continuously in his mind. Simultaneously, a blurry image appeared before his eyes: a massive black dragon bound by countless phantom chains in the abyss. The dragon's body was enormous, its scales shimmering with a cold, dark light, each scale seemingly containing endless power. Its dragon head was lowered, its eyes filled with unwillingness and resentment, as if expressing its anger and helplessness to the world.
Zhōu Yuān felt a tempest stir in his heart. He stared wide-eyed at the scene before him in disbelief. That "Dragon's Roar" was not from a living true dragon but more like the sound emitted by a dragon soul suppressed here (or the remnant of its unyielding will)! This Earth Fiend Yin Vein might have formed precisely because it was used to suppress this dragon soul!
What shocked him even more was that as the image in his mind flashed by, he felt the Bronze Fragment transmit a trace of extremely weak emotion, akin to "longing" or "resonance." This emotion was like an invisible thread, pointing towards the suppressed dragon soul. This fragment seemed to have some connection with this place of suppression, or rather, with the suppressed dragon!
Zhōu Yuān's breathing became rapid, his heartbeat like a drum, as if it would burst through his chest. He tried to decipher the information on the stone tablet further, wanting to understand more about this suppressed dragon soul and the secrets of the Earth Fiend Yin Vein. However, no matter how hard he tried, the information remained shrouded in a mist, never appearing clearly before him.
Moreover, due to his prolonged stay here, even with the protection of the Bronze Fragment, his soul began to show signs of instability. His head throbbed intensely, as if countless ants were gnawing at his brain. He knew he couldn't stay any longer, otherwise, before he could uncover the truth, his soul would be destroyed by the powerful oppressive force and Corrosive Energy.
Zhōu Yuān sighed helplessly and slowly retreated. With each step back, the oppressive force slightly lessened, but the shock and doubt in his heart grew more intense. As he retreated, he kept looking back at the stone tablet and the area of crystal walls, as if an endless treasure awaited him there.
Finally, he retreated to a safe zone. At this moment, he felt his body go weak, nearly collapsing to the ground. He quickly sat cross-legged, circulated his cultivation technique, and regulated the disordered Qi within his body. After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes, which were still filled with shock.
Zhōu Yuān recalled the information from the stone tablet and the reaction of the fragment, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He muttered to himself, "An ancient dragon soul suppressed! This Earth Fiend Yin Vein was formed because of it? And my fragment... what role does it play in this situation? Is it part of the suppression, or... is it related to that dragon soul?"
His heart was filled with questions, which surged like a tide in his mind. He knew well that his current strength was far from enough; he couldn't even get close to the core area, let alone unravel the many mysteries behind it.
"Strength, I need more strength!" Zhōu Yuān clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with determination. "At least enough to step into that crystalline area and read the full text of the stone tablet! Only then can I gradually uncover the secrets of the Earth Fiend Yin Vein and understand the true origin of this Bronze Fragment."
By this time, night had completely fallen, and the Corrosive Energy churned within the Earth Fiend Yin Vein, like a black ocean. Zhōu Yuān stood in the darkness, gazing in the direction of the core area, silently vowing in his heart: "No matter how many hardships and dangers lie ahead, no matter how astonishing the secrets behind this are, I must uncover them! To become stronger, to unravel all these mysteries, I, Zhōu Yuān, will never back down!"
He took a deep breath, turned around, and walked towards the cave he had temporarily cleared.