The two set off this time in secret, executing it as a sect secret.
Aside from Xuu Yi, Lu Yuanshan, and Lu Changfeng, no one else knew.
The matter of the ore vein is of great importance and naturally needs to be kept confidential to prevent third parties from getting there first.
Discovering an unexplored ore vein is indeed too significant to the Cyan Mountain Sect, yet at the same time, like a hot potato.
Hence, Lu Yuanshan decided to personally make the trip.
It must be said that this Fire Source Stone Vein is deeply hidden.
Lu Yuanshan and his companion trekked into the Cyan Mountain Range and crossed many mountains and forests on their journey to Xuu Yi.
Xuu Yi came here for experience, intending to travel the mountain range’s outskirts, slaying some low-tier demon beasts to earn spirit stones for purchasing spiritual artifacts and elixirs.
The discovery of the Fire Source Stone Vein was also an unexpected gain.
Fortunately, the vein did not extend into the depths of the Cyan Mountain Range.
Half of its area lies in the mountain range’s outskirts, located in a large canyon filled with miasma.
This canyon is desolate and remote; even with a communication talisman guiding them to Xuu Yi’s position, Lu Yuanshan and his companion took over two hours to find Xuu Yi and reunite with him.
"Greetings, Sect Leader."
Seeing that the sect members who came were Lu Changfeng and Lu Yuanshan, Xuu Yi hurriedly saluted, realizing the sect’s high regard for this ore vein.
Think about it, how many elders are there in the Cyan Mountain Sect?
And now one has been dispatched.
If not for Zhiwei being in secluded cultivation, and Mengyuan needing to oversee Guangde County, these two might have come along as well.
What’s more, even Lu Yuanshan, who seldom descends the mountain, came in person.
"Xuu Yi, you’ve worked hard this time. After investigating the specifics of this Fire Source Stone Vein, the sect will certainly reward you with merit points and other rewards."
As the sect leader, Lu Yuanshan, gentle and humble in character, smiled faintly before continuing, "Time is pressing, lead the way."
Responding, Xuu Yi cast the Light Body Technique, leading Lu Yuanshan and his companion towards the vein’s location.
Soon, a stretch of over ten miles of verdant forest appeared before them.
Looking ahead, a vast expanse of green stretched out, resembling a green barrier.
This green forest is also shrouded in a faint white miasma.
Although this miasma is not deadly, prolonged inhalation can cause dizziness and make it easy to get lost.
If ordinary people got lost here, not to mention the lack of water and food, encounters with one or two wild beasts would be enough to take their lives.
But Lu Yuanshan and the others are certainly not ordinary in constitution.
"Beyond this forest, about three to four miles ahead, there is a large valley where the Fire Source Stone Vein is located."
Xuu Yi spoke, pointing towards the back of the green forest.
From their position, the outline of the valley could faintly be discerned.
The trio wasted no time, using magical power to protect their noses and mouths, and ventured into the miasma-shrouded green forest.
After passing through the green forest and entering the valley, the vein’s location was easy to find.
Following the signs left earlier, Xuu Yi led Lu Changfeng and Lu Yuanshan to the vein.
"When I discovered this vein, I carefully explored it and found that quite a few Fire Source Stones seemed to have been born here, so I guessed it should be a Fire Source Stone Vein."
Xuu Yi explained, pointing to the rather ugly, barren-looking valley, while taking out some thumb-sized, irregularly shaped crimson minerals from his storage bag.
Although these minerals were rough on the surface, they looked crystal clear.
By polishing the rough surface, they could become smooth red jade-like stones, very beautiful indeed.
This is the Fire Source Stone.
"I sense the fire attribute spiritual qi here is relatively abundant, making the formation of Fire Source Stones highly likely."
Lu Changfeng, feeling the fire attribute spiritual qi in the air, said this.
As a fire attribute cultivator, he is naturally more sensitive to fire attribute energies in the world.
Upon setting foot in this place, he noticed the anomaly, correctly estimating it to be a Fire Source Stone Vein.
After all, Xuu Yi had also dug up some Fire Source Stones and knew what they were.
Now, looking at them closely, Lu Changfeng confirmed they indeed were Fire Source Stones.
Having confirmed the Fire Source Stones, Lu Changfeng was secretly excited.
As a fire attribute cultivator, the potential value of this Fire Source Stone Vein made Lu Changfeng the primary beneficiary.
Lu Yuanshan also noticed Changfeng’s excitement, thinking that his brother’s cultivation resources would be worry-free, at least until the crystallization stage.
Without much further discussion, the trio thoroughly examined the vein.
Since the vein is located within a valley, how deep it extends underground is unknown.
Before mining, they could only rely on brute force to excavate the valley and intersect some tunnels for exploration.
Xuu Yi had previously excavated a small distance.
In the process, they found some scattered Fire Source Stones, which could be considered a rich harvest.
With the three working together this time, the investigation process went much smoother and more efficiently.
Using magic to excavate, explore, and probe, they spent more than an hour to figure out the vein’s situation.
However, the biggest challenge surfaced.
They had entered full of high spirits, but ended up fleeing in utter dismay.
The reason was simple — deep within the vein, a Foundation Establishment Early Stage Stone Mother had formed.
When they reached the deeper part of the vein using a flying sword, upon discovering the Stone Mother, it acted and attacked the three unexpected guests.
Lu Yuanshan, with his rich battle experience and insight, led at the front and instinctively maneuvered the Hongyin Flying Sword to strike at it.
But the result was a failure; he nearly lost the Hongyin Flying Sword beside the Stone Mother.
This Stone Mother had absorbed the fire attribute spiritual qi from the Fire Source Stone Vein, gestating for a millennium to be born.
Its whole body was light red, entirely made up of stones shaping a humanoid form, with arms, legs, and facial features, though the features were not realistic, just an outline resembling a face.
Inevitably appearing somewhat feminine, with a protruding chest, it resembled a stone-carved woman, even with long hair strands around its head sculpted.
It was clear that even with combined efforts, Lu Yuanshan and his companions were no match for this Foundation Establishment Stage Stone Mother.
Fortunately, its wisdom was low and movement sluggish. Recognizing its formidable strength, Lu Yuanshan decisively retreated with Xuu Yi and Lu Changfeng.
Without even considering the idea of trying to eliminate it together.