Chapter 111: The Core of the Spiritual Vein

Chapter 111: The Core of the Spiritual Vein

Li Hongshen took the core of the spiritual vein from Teacher Wang’s hands, holding it carefully as he approached the altar at the center of Fengqi Valley. With a firm motion, he placed the core into the altar.

In an instant, the altar transformed into a shimmering silver-white, and a fierce surge of energy radiated outward, sweeping swiftly across Fengqi Valley, Xin Hong City, the mainland, and then the sea beyond.

“Crack, crack…”

Sounds of stones colliding came from beneath the altar as energy crystals surged along several pre-defined paths, rushing toward the distance. At the original positions where stakes had been driven in, abundant energy erupted, forming numerous energy nodes.

Li Hongshen could clearly see the entire domain mapped out on his panel. One by one, energy nodes lit up, and silver-white streams of light traced intricate lines across the map.

As the spiritual vein gradually quieted and melded with the earth, the energy meter on the panel surged rapidly, finally stabilizing at level 39 before coming to a complete stop.

However, Li Hongshen knew this figure was merely the average energy level across the domain. The outer regions undoubtedly had thinner energy, while Xin Hong City at the center, bolstered by the Spirit Gathering Tree, had undoubtedly reached a concentration of the fourth tier.

As the wave of spiritual energy swept through, warriors and spirit beasts observing within Fengqi Valley began large-scale breakthroughs. Many warriors advanced directly from the second to the third tier. Even the Shamans experienced shifts in their realms, though the world’s rules here limited their ability to ascend further.

Outside Fengqi Valley, the common folk felt a subtle liberation as the spiritual energy passed over them, a comforting sensation as if some invisible bonds had been broken. Many could faintly sense the flow of spiritual energy.

Some even ascended on their own to become first-tier warriors. Minor pains and injuries that had lingered on the people vanished completely, while those with disabilities and severe illnesses found significant relief.

Hearing cheers from outside, Li Hongshen’s lips curled into a smile. Wasn’t all the hard work these past five years for this very moment?

Embedding the energy core, constructing the domain’s energy circulation, perfecting the energy rules—this allowed the people and spirit beasts of the domain to freely advance without relying on the blood crystals of the Endless Wilds.

Now, the runes within Li Hongshen’s domain could directly link to the energy between heaven and earth, no longer needing to treat blood crystals like batteries for power generation.

Li Hongshen stepped down from the altar, planting his feet firmly on the ground and lightly stomping. He found the soil within his domain had become incredibly solid, exactly as he expected. Land that once yielded to energy strikes and formed craters was now like reinforced concrete, giving him a powerful sense of stability.

This was because the spiritual vein had been infused into the earth itself. As long as the vein remained unbroken, the land would be nourished, and this world would be able to support even more powerful beings.

No longer would a minor clash create massive pits or topple mountains. Now, even if Li Hongshen struck with full force, he could only crack a few boulders at most. This was one of the reasons he chose the core of the spiritual vein.

In truth, whether it was the core of the spiritual vein or the energy well, the differences were not so great. Through years of refinement, the civilizations had chosen these two fundamental energy cores for their outstanding performance, applicability, and comprehensiveness.

The differences lay mainly in their effects: the spiritual vein core’s energy network existed as spiritual ore, while the energy well’s energy network was a kind of spiritual liquid that continuously circulated within the domain, nourishing the earth.

There was no marked advantage either way, but the spiritual vein core tended to strengthen the land within the lord’s space more, acting as a kind of skeletal support, offering greater structural reinforcement.

The energy well, on the other hand, dispersed the energy more evenly and diffusely, offering a slight edge in energy concentration.

Beyond the energy system itself, the choice also depended on the nature of the inhabitants. For example, warrior clans generally leaned toward the spiritual vein core, while fighters who cultivated battle qi tended to prefer the energy well.

The species of the inhabitants also mattered. Humans, with their strong adaptability, were indifferent to either core, whereas elves naturally inclined toward the energy well.

This was because the energy well’s design originated from a renowned figure in a civilization who traced back the elves’ origins and, through that research, developed many of the necessary technologies.

…

With the energy core embedded, the transformation of Li Hongshen’s domain was complete. He then held a grand celebration for all to rejoice in the success of the transformation and the core’s integration.

As dusk settled, Li Hongshen stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his city lord’s mansion. Holding a glass of juice, he looked down upon the brightly lit streets and buildings—lights that no longer needed to rely on blood crystals for power.

Instead, the runes’ internal energy circuits connected directly to the city, flowing through the main city’s energy network to link with the spiritual vein, powering everything seamlessly.

In Li Hongshen’s eyes, some energy inevitably dissipated—some wasted, some lost to the air, but a portion merged back into the domain, cycling once more into the spiritual vein.

Currently, the primary method for restoring the spiritual vein remained the domain converting energy from the void to strengthen itself, which meant the lord’s source points would diminish further.

Yet, Li Hongshen saw no problem with this—after all, he was practically benefiting for free in the Endless Wilds, with no need to worry about source point consumption.

“I knew you’d be here. The transformation’s done. You’re probably ready to leave, right?”

“Indeed. I’m grateful for your care all these years, Teacher Wang. Without your help, I wouldn’t have the city I do now. You’ve taken great pains for me.”

Teacher Wang held a wine gourd filled with spirit wine produced from Li Hongshen’s domain—white, yellow, red—all sorts, amounting to several tons. It was a gift of respect from Li Hongshen.

“Don’t get so sentimental. This is just a projection. I’m in the main world, and for me, this has only been five days.

Besides, what I gave you isn’t help as much as it’s my duty as a teacher and practitioner. Guiding new lords to transform their domains is my job. Pointing out problems is my responsibility. In the end, you were the one who chose to undertake the great transformation.”

“That may be so, but if you hadn’t pointed out my flaws, I might never have realized them even after leaving the Wilds. Making modifications then would have cost me dearly.

So, Teacher Wang, your teachings are a great debt I will remember. I hope to repay your kindness in the days ahead.”

Hearing Li Hongshen’s words, Teacher Wang was silent for a long moment, then said nothing more, turning away with the wine gourd.

“Rest early. Tomorrow is the day we part. Don’t worry about repaying me yet—you still have a long way to go! Hahaha.”

First update done, shamelessly asking for votes.

(End of chapter)