Chapter 81: Spirit Vein
Xiang Yu’s eyes widened as he observed the information displayed by his system:
[Professions: Cook: 4th Grade (20/600), Talisman Maker: 9th Grade (10/100), Appraiser: 9th Grade (2/100)]
The Talisman Maker profession wasn’t a surprise—he had already managed to create a talisman so he had expected that. But the Appraiser profession caught him completely off guard. He hadn’t specifically tried to develop this skill, yet somehow it had manifested.
After a moment’s reflection, understanding dawned on him. When he had concentrated his qi sense to analyze the pill and talismans in minute detail, he had unknowingly been performing appraisals.
But with its current ninth-grade level, the Appraiser profession only allowed him to identify basic item names. Still, it wasn’t all bad, with further development, he could potentially discern intricate details about objects and—most importantly—he could see through the old monsters playing the pig.
Dismissing his system interface, Xiang Yu settled into a meditative posture. He regulated his breathing, allowing his energy to recover while calming his racing thoughts. The cool stone against his back anchored him as his heartbeat gradually steadied.
After several minutes of meditation, his mind cleared enough to properly assess his situation. While his current hiding spot provided temporary safety, he couldn’t hide forever. If the intruders conducted a thorough search of the entire pavilion, they would eventually discover him.
He needed to either find an escape route or somehow eliminate the Core Formation cultivator and his companions.
Xiang Yu surveyed his cramped surroundings. The cave barely allowed him to sit comfortably, measuring roughly one meter wide and three meters deep, with a ceiling so low he couldn’t stand upright. His gaze drifted to the back of the cave, where something unusual caught his attention.
[Soft Rock]
He identified it after activating his appraisal. He was currently spamming it continuously to farm experience points, after all, it didn’t cost much to use so it would be a waste not to take advantage of it.
Curiosity piqued, he rose to a hunched position and cautiously approached. He wondered if there was something beyond the rock.
Extending his hand, he pressed his palm against the soft stone surface. Channeling his qi sense into the material, he detected a distinct space beyond. Applying gentle pressure, he watched as the rock crumbled away like dried clay, revealing a hidden realm that took his breath away.
It turns out that hidden in the small cave was an even bigger cave. The air inside was concentrated with qi so dense it manifested as colorful mist, swirling in gentle currents throughout the space. Massive flowers and lush vegetation flourished in this hidden sanctuary, their vibrant colors almost otherworldly in intensity.
At the center of this cavern was a small spring approximately five meters in radius. The water itself wasn’t clear but instead rippled with strange colors. From the spring’s center grew an enormous tree.
Without hesitation, Xiang Yu leapt into this larger area. The moment he crossed the threshold, rich qi enveloped him, tingling against his skin and seeping into his meridians. The density of spiritual energy here far surpassed anything he had experienced in the outside world.
Activating his Appraiser ability once more, he examined his surroundings.
[Herb] * 22
Every plant growing in this hidden cave appeared to be a medicinal herb, and quite high level ones at that. It seemed they had been nurtured by this concentrated spiritual qi for quite some time.
Xiang Yu advanced slowly toward the center, wondering if his master knew about this extraordinary place hidden within the pavilion. As he approached the massive tree rising from the spring’s center, he focused his Appraiser ability on it.
[Spirit Vein]
...
This was actually a spirit vein? Xiang Yu stared in disbelief at the magnificent tree rising from the spring. Spirit veins were natural treasures that rarely occurred in the cultivation world. They were a phenomenon where concentrated qi flowed through the earth, creating pockets of extraordinary spiritual energy. These natural phenomena were coveted throughout the cultivation world, often becoming the foundation for powerful sects.
No wonder such impressive herbs flourished here. The continuous flow of rich spiritual energy had nurtured these plants to this point. If other sects or powerful cultivators discovered this place, the Azure Cloud Sect would face far greater threats than just the Wuming Cult. Such a treasure would attract covetous gazes from across the entire cultivation world.
Before exploring further, Xiang Yu returned to the cave entrance. With careful movements to avoid making any audible noises, he used a huge stone to seal the opening. He couldn’t risk someone accidentally stumbling upon this secret realm.
With the entrance secured, Xiang Yu walked back toward the center of the cavern. Despite its impressive energy concentration, he realized that the qi here wasn’t actually that overwhelming for his cultivation.
Although this place could be considered a sect holy land, the benefits of the qi here were nowhere near what he got by cultivating using spirit food.
Nevertheless, the spirit vein possessed tremendous value for herb cultivation. If he ever advanced his pill refining skills, he could grow rare ingredients here, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality materials without needing to venture into dangerous territories or pay exorbitant prices.
But survival came first. Settling into a meditative posture at a comfortable distance from the spring, Xiang Yu retrieved a stack of blank papers from his spatial ring. His lips curved into a thoughtful smile as a plan formed in his mind.
"At my current level, talismans are the only way I can harm the Core Formation expert," he reasoned. "Now that I’ve become a 9th grade Talisman Maker, I should put this skill to use."
A rather wicked grin spread across his face. "So what if you’re in the Core Formation realm? I don’t believe you won’t die if I hit you with a thousand talismans!"
Focusing his concentration, Xiang Yu closed his eyes and directed energy from his spiritual sea toward the blank paper in his hands. He visualized the explosion talisman blueprint he had memorized earlier, recalling every intricate line and connection clearly.
Slowly, the pattern began etching itself onto the paper, glowing faintly as spiritual energy infused the material. After several seconds of intense concentration, the design was complete—a fully functional explosion talisman.
Examining his creation with satisfaction, Xiang Yu noted that while successful, the process wasn’t effortless. He could feel a slight strain in his spiritual sea, it was the first time he had strained his spiritual sea so much since its formation. It wasn’t debilitating, but he could tell that mass-producing talismans would require significant mental endurance.
Undeterred by this minor fatigue, he picked up another blank sheet and began the process again. With each successful talisman, his confidence grew alongside his arsenal of explosive surprises for the unwelcome visitors.
...
A/N - Farm area unlocked