Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

"There are no such things as 'what ifs'."

The withered demonic cultivator's hands continued moving.

"This place is very remote, and it is hundreds of miles away from the nearest immortal city."

Besides, Ancestor Murong is the third elder of the Nine Nether Demon Sect, a mid-stage Nascent Soul expert.

Even if it were discovered, would the Cultivator Association really turn against a Nascent Soul expert for a mere small spiritual vein?

"That's true..." The pale-faced demonic cultivator hesitated, then stopped himself from speaking.

The two stopped talking and focused on setting up the formation.

Eighteen array flags were planted around the mountain peaks, each flag bearing eerie blood-red runes.

As the two cast spells, the runes on the flag lit up one by one, connecting with each other to form a vast net of demonic energy covering the entire mountain peak.

The large net slowly sank and disappeared into the mountainside.

After a while,
The mountain is still the same mountain, the trees are still the same trees, but even the faint trace of spiritual energy that once filled the air has vanished without a trace.

The mountain's aura was completely concealed, making it seem like an ordinary stone.

"The Heaven-Sealing and Earth-Locking Formation is complete." The withered demonic cultivator wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Even a late-stage Golden Core cultivator passing by wouldn't notice anything unusual without careful investigation."

The two sat cross-legged and guarded the center of the formation.

Time passes little by little.

The cicadas' chirping in the woods had stopped sometime earlier.

Half a day later, the withered demonic cultivator suddenly opened his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly:
"The spiritual energy of the spiritual vein... is beginning to weaken."

"Young Master has begun the drawing."

The pale-faced demonic cultivator also sensed it.

At first, the decrease was barely perceptible, but as time went on, the decay became more and more obvious.

The entire mountain was becoming "barren," as if something inside it was being drained.

Another hour passed.

The birds and beasts in the mountains began to stir restlessly.

Several wild foxes that had been living in caves on the mountainside darted out of the cave entrance and fled down the mountain without looking back.

Squirrels in the trees, pikas on the ground—all living things instinctively fled.

"The commotion is a bit too much."

The pale-faced demonic cultivator felt uneasy.

"It's alright, the formation has already isolated the inside from the outside."

The withered demonic cultivator said in a deep voice, but his hands unconsciously tightened their grip on the array flags.

Sudden--

A deep rumble came from inside the mountain!

The entire mountain peak suddenly trembled!
Rocks crumbled, soil and stones rolled down, and a three-zhang-long crack appeared on the mountainside.

Birds in the forest took flight in fright, and a dark mass of crows covered half the sky.

"Hold on!"

The withered demon cultivator let out a low shout and simultaneously channeled his magic power into the array flag along with the white-faced demon cultivator.

The array's light barrier fluctuated violently, but ultimately did not break.

The tremor lasted for less than ten breaths before gradually subsiding.

The mountain returned to calm.

However, the already weak spiritual energy had completely dissipated.

From this moment forward, this mountain will be nothing more than an ordinary mountain.
—The spiritual vein has been destroyed.

The two exchanged a glance and both breathed a sigh of relief.

After another short while, the ground cracked open, and a dark purple stream of light shot out and landed in front of the two people.

Murong Dutian's figure reappeared.

Compared to half a day ago, his aura was significantly stronger, and the demonic energy around him was almost solidified.

More importantly, he now had a banner in his hand.

The banner pole was pitch black, but the banner surface was eerily translucent, with countless painful and twisted phantoms writhing within it.

A pale gold pattern has been added to the edge of the banner.

That was the mark formed after the core of the spiritual vein was refined into the banner.

"It's done." Murong Dutian's lips curled into a wicked smile.
"With this banner in hand, even if I face a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, I, the young master, will have the strength to fight!"

Congratulations, young master!

The two demonic cultivators immediately bowed and offered their congratulations.

"Hmm." Murong Dutian was clearly in a good mood.
"You have done a good job; you will be rewarded when you return."

With a flick of his sleeve, the black treasure ship appeared out of thin air.

The three boarded the treasure ship, which flashed with magical light and soared into the sky, disappearing into the horizon in a few breaths.

Below, that ordinary mountain peak stands quietly.

The cracks in the mountainside are still there, and the fallen soil and rocks are scattered all over the ground.

The birds and beasts in the forest hesitated to return to their nests, and the entire mountain was filled with an atmosphere of deathly stillness.

From the outside, it looks like just a landslide caused by an ordinary earthquake.

However, if a master of formations were to examine it carefully, they would discover—

Deep within the mountains, the small spiritual vein that could have nurtured the land for millennia has been completely dried up and broken.

The core of the spiritual vein was forcibly extracted, leaving only scattered fragments of spiritual energy, which will gradually dissipate into the world over the next hundred years without leaving a trace.

All of this happened under the cover of the "Heaven-Sealing and Earth-Locking Formation".

No one knows.

At least for now, no one knows.

The treasure ship pierced through the clouds and mist, speeding towards the Nine Nether Demon Sect.

Inside the cabin, Murong Dutian toyed with the Nine Netherworld Soul Banner in his hand, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes:
"The Monks' Association...a ban?"
"Hmph, once I reach the Nascent Soul stage, I'll see who dares to interfere with me, Murong Dutian!"

"···"

Several hours later...

A streak of azure light shot out from the direction of Zhen Dong Immortal City.

The light landed and transformed into a young monk dressed in a blue patrolman's robe.

The silver badge he wore on his chest was engraved with three wavy lines—

Third-level Inspector of the Cultivator Association, with mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation.

This person's name is Liu Qingfeng, a cultivator from the Patrol Division under the Spirit Vein Department.

He held a compass in his hand, the needle trembling violently, pointing to the unremarkable mountain peak in front of him.

“Strange…” Liu Qingfeng frowned.

“The micro-spiritual vein was only approved the day before yesterday. Its spiritual energy concentration should be at ‘Grade D, Rank 3’. How could it suddenly drop to ‘Grade E, Rank 9’?”
It was almost indistinguishable from ordinary land.

He remembered it clearly.

Three days ago, a rogue cultivator reported that this place might have a spiritual vein.

He personally inspected it and found that although it was only a small spiritual vein, its quality was acceptable and its spiritual energy concentration reached Grade D.

According to the procedure, he has entered the information into the association's spiritual vein map and marked it as "pending allocation".

These miniature spiritual veins are often applied for and purchased by small sects or families. Although their value is not high, the inspector receives corresponding merit points for each one that is verified.

Liu Qingfeng took a deep breath, suppressed his unease, and activated the compass again.

The pointer spun wildly until it finally stopped at a certain mark.

Reading: Spiritual energy concentration, Grade E, Level 9.

Almost zero.

"Impossible..." he muttered to himself.

"Even if the spiritual veins naturally weaken, it's impossible for them to weaken in just two days..."

He suddenly realized something, and his face turned deathly pale.

A terrible thought popped into my head.

"Could it be... someone..."

Liu Qingfeng dared not think any further and immediately used the Earth Escape Technique, transforming into a streak of green light and disappearing into the ground.

Thirty feet underground, he witnessed a horrifying scene—

The spiritual vein, which should have stretched for hundreds of feet like a vein of white jade, has now been shattered into countless fragments.

The spiritual energy scattered like a burst dam, leaving behind only fragments of the spiritual vein scattered everywhere.

Faint traces of demonic energy remained on those fragments.

What alarmed Liu Qingfeng even more was that the fist-sized "spiritual source" at the core of the spiritual vein had disappeared.

That is the heart of the spiritual vein; if it is forcibly extracted, the spiritual vein will undoubtedly be destroyed.

Liu Qingfeng felt his hands and feet were ice cold.

When he emerged from underground and returned to the surface, his face was so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

"It's over..."

A series of thoughts flashed through his mind:

First, the Qingyuan Sect.

The small sect located on the southern slope of the Shehong Mountains submitted an application three days ago to purchase this spiritual vein.

The application has passed the initial review, and half of the spirit stones have been paid—a full three thousand low-grade spirit stones.

According to the rules, the formal handover will take place in three days.

But now, the spiritual vein is destroyed.

If the Qingyuan Sect knew this, they would be furious.

While it might not lead to a falling out with the Cultivator Association, Liu Qingfeng, the inspector in charge of verification, would inevitably be the target of their anger.

How could a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator withstand the wrath of an entire sect?

Even more troublesome is...

"This is the first case of a shattered spiritual vein since the founding of the Cultivator Association..."

Liu Qingfeng muttered to himself, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

The association's first prohibition is that anyone who shatters their spiritual veins will have their soul and spirit destroyed.

This case will undoubtedly become a landmark example.

If he conceals the truth and it is discovered later, he will at least have his cultivation abolished and be expelled from the association.

In severe cases, they may be prosecuted for "harboring a criminal," with unimaginable consequences.

But if it's reported...

Liu Qingfeng gritted his teeth.

"Report this!"

He dared not hesitate any longer and immediately transformed into a streak of light, rushing towards Zhen Dong Immortal City.

He needed to report this matter to his immediate superior as soon as possible.

Director of the Inspection Division of the Spirit Vein Department.

Three hours later.

The message, after being reported through multiple levels, has reached Zhenhai City, which is suspended in the clouds in the middle of the Endless Sea.

The headquarters of the Cultivator Association, the main hall of the Spirit Vein Department.

A middle-aged cultivator dressed in purple robes with a solemn expression sat at a desk, holding a jade slip in his hand.

He was none other than Han Chengyue, the Minister of the Spirit Vein Department and a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

The contents of the jade slip made him frown.

"Southeast of the Shehong Mountains, at coordinates 37 Hai and 25 Wei, a small spiritual vein (originally registered as micro, but actually small) had its spiritual energy forcibly extracted and was completely shattered."

Traces of demonic energy remained at the scene, and after being traced back using the 'Source Tracing Array,' it was confirmed to originate from the same source as the Nine Nether Demon Sect's 'Nine Nether True Method.'

"Time of the crime: June 17th of the first year of the Daoli era, from the hour of Wei to the hour of You."

"Perpetrator's identity is speculated to be: Golden Core stage, suspected to be a direct descendant of the Nine Nether Demon Sect."

"Related sects: Nine Nether Demon Sect (top-tier demonic sect), Murong Family (demonic immortal clan)."

"Note: Qingyuan Sect has applied to purchase this spiritual vein and paid a deposit of three thousand spirit stones."

The spiritual vein has been destroyed; the transaction cannot be completed.

Han Chengyue put down the jade slip and rubbed his temples.

Things are in trouble.

If it is an ordinary demonic cultivator who committed the crime, the law can be followed to arrest, try, and enforce the prohibition.

But behind this lies the Nine Nether Demon Sect.

More importantly, the jade slip mentions "potentially a direct descendant of the Murong family"—

The ancestor of the Murong family was the Supreme Elder of the Nine Nether Demon Sect, and the Half-Saint of Wrath.

Moreover, according to the association's prohibition, if a disciple commits such a serious crime, the master or elder of the sect will also bear joint responsibility.

Even a powerful figure like the Angry Demon cannot escape responsibility.

Han Chengyue stood up and paced around the hall.

Although he was the head of the Spirit Vein Department and had a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, he was still a figure of considerable importance in the Endless Sea.

But even a half-saint is not enough.

If this matter is not handled properly...

Han Chengyue stopped in his tracks, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Fine, let's report it."

He took out a specially made golden jade slip and entered the information into it.

This is an urgent secret report jade slip directly addressed to the Deputy Hall Master of the Surveillance Hall.

Half an hour later...
Han Chengyue hurriedly left the main hall of the Spirit Vein Department and headed towards the Surveillance Hall area.

In the area of ​​the Surveillance Hall, there is a large hall that is completely black and exudes a chilling aura.

At the head of the main hall, on a throne carved from precious jade, sat a black-robed cultivator.

The person's face was hidden in the shadow of a black robe, with only a pair of deep, dark eyes visible, seemingly capable of swallowing all light.

He exuded a faint chill, which seemed to freeze even the spiritual energy in the hall.

He was one of the deputy hall masters of the Surveillance Hall, and Xuanming Half-Venerable of the Supreme Saint Sect.

Han Chengyue stepped into the main hall and bowed respectfully:

"Your subordinate, Han Chengyue, Minister of the Spirit Vein Department, pays respects to the Lord of the Xuanming Palace."

"What's the matter?"

Xuanming Half-Venerable's voice was calm and even, yet it carried a chilling aura that pierced to the bone.

Han Chengyue dared not be negligent and presented the golden jade slip with both hands:

"Reporting to the Palace Master, we have received a report from below that a small spiritual vein was forcibly shattered yesterday."

This is the first case since the association's establishment, and it involves a great deal of issues. I dare not act on my own initiative, and therefore come to request instructions from the Lord.

Xuanming Half-Venerable frowned slightly:

“The spiritual vein is shattered; it should be dealt with according to the prohibition.”

"Such a trivial matter, why must it trouble me?"

"Your Highness, please allow me to report," Han Chengyue said hastily.
"This matter involves the Nine Nether Demon Sect and is suspected to be the work of the direct descendants of the Murong family."

According to the prohibition, his senior disciples and elders, who were also considered powerful figures, would also bear joint responsibility.

Your subordinate... dares not act without authorization.

He deliberately emphasized the four characters "怒魁半尊".

Sure enough, a faint hint of interest flashed in Xuanming Half-Venerable's deep eyes.

"Send it up."

The jade transformed into golden light and flew into the hand of the Xuanming Half-Venerable.

He scanned it with his divine sense, and after a moment, put down the jade slip and said calmly:

"This matter will be handled by me."

You may leave now.

"Yes!" Han Chengyue breathed a sigh of relief and bowed as he was about to leave.

"Wait a moment," Xuanming Half-Venerable suddenly spoke.
"This matter is classified as 'Class A' and must not be disclosed to outsiders."

If there is any leak, you will be held responsible.

Han Chengyue's heart skipped a beat: "Understood!"

He left the main hall, and only after he walked out of the Surveillance Hall area did he realize that his back was soaked with cold sweat.

Inside the main hall, Xuanming Half-Venerable looked at the jade slip in his hand, a cold smile curving his lips in the shadows.

“Wrathful Demon…this time, you can’t escape.”

He muttered to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice.

He and the Half-Supreme Lord of Angry Spirit had a long-standing feud.

Three hundred years ago, the two fought over a "Mysterious Yin True Fiend," and in the end, the Half-Venerable Nu Kui, with the power of the Nine Nether Demon Sect, forcibly took it from him.

Xuanming Half-Venerable has always kept this grudge in his heart.

Now the opportunity has arrived.

His figure flickered and disappeared from the throne.

Half an hour later...
Inside another hall of the monks' association.

"Old man Xuanming, don't push your luck!"

A low growl, suppressed with rage, rang out.

The speaker was a giant man, nine feet tall, with bulging muscles.

He was shirtless, revealing bronze skin covered with eerie black patterns.

A pair of large, copper-bell-shaped eyes glared angrily ahead.

This was none other than the Supreme Elder of the Nine Nether Demon Sect, Nu Kui, a half-saint.

Opposite him, Xuanming Half-Venerable sat leisurely on a jade chair, playing with a jade slip in his hand.

"Fellow Daoist Nu Kui, why the anger?" Xuanming Half-Venerable's voice remained calm.
"I am simply following the rules."

Your disciple has broken his spiritual veins, violating the association's first prohibition.

According to the law, both the spirit and soul should perish.

As a senior member of the sect, you also bear joint responsibility for failing to properly discipline your students.

"···"

...(End of this chapter)