The autumn sky gradually cools. In recent days, Shen Yuan has discovered that ever since Huang Qingzhou's death, his own state of mind seems to have been affected.

He hasn't rushed into practice recently.

Currently, his realm has reached the Peak of Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer, and a translucent azure glow hovers quietly on the white jade turtle shell in his Sea of Consciousness.

This is the insight returned when Shen Wen'an broke through to Fetal Breathing.

He just feels that he's still far from reaching Fetal Breathing, so he's not in a hurry to absorb it.

Deep in the night, Shen Yuan tosses and turns in bed, unable to sleep.

Once the time passes midnight, he habitually looks at today's hexagram.

[Hexagram refreshed!]

[Today's Hexagram · Great Fortune]: Earth veins converge, spiritual spring surges, a spiritual spring has emerged in the family orchard, greatly beneficial for family development.

The golden hexagram appears from the white jade turtle shell, and Shen Yuan is momentarily stunned before a smile appears on his face.

Spiritual spring?

This is a wonderful thing indeed.

The writings transcribed by Pei Zhao mention records of spiritual springs in the cultivation realm.

It is said that spiritual springs are good things containing earth vein spiritual energy, the spring water can be used for alchemy, irrigating spiritual objects and seedlings, and can even be directly consumed to enhance a cultivator's practice speed.

However, even among earth vein spiritual springs, there are different grades.

A lower grade spiritual spring has insignificant effects, with spiritual energy so minuscule that, at most, it can strengthen the body of an ordinary person and is of little use to a cultivator.

Only middle grade and above can be considered true spiritual springs.

The book also records that some upper grade spiritual springs may even develop a type of innate spiritual energy known as "earth evil spiritual energy."

Descending from the bed, Shen Yuan glanced at his still sleeping wife, carefully covered her with the quilt, and left the room.

He quietly pinched a seal in the courtyard, performing the Cloud Dragon Skill he had practiced for many years, barely summoning a mist to his feet as he leisurely flew through the air toward the mountain herb garden.

Upon descending from the steep cliff into the herb garden, Shen Yuan sensed a thick spiritual energy slowly emanating.

Following this unique spiritual energy to find the so-called spiritual spring, Shen Yuan showed a hint of realization on his face.

The spiritual spring had appeared right next to a Purple Star Fruit Tree.

"No wonder this Purple Star Fruit Tree has always been more vigorous than the others, and was the first to bear fruit among them."

Looking at the obviously more robust Purple Star Fruit Tree before him, Shen Yuan recalled how they had clearly been planted at the same time.

Yet, only this one bore Purple Star Fruits in less than ten years, while the others took twelve or thirteen years to fruit.

Looking at it now, it seems to be due to the spiritual spring.

But back then, the spiritual spring hadn't fully formed, and this Purple Star Fruit Tree only absorbed some earth vein spiritual energy.

He leaned down to pry open the boulder in front, revealing a deep well roughly a dozen inches wide beneath it.

The spring water was clear, reflecting a cool glow under the moonlight, and dense earth vein spiritual energy wafted from the spring.

This spiritual spring seemed to have just formed, its water plentiful, gurgling as it overflowed.

Shen Yuan estimated that over time, the water supply of this spiritual spring might decrease, and it would have to be used sparingly then.

He scooped some clear spring water to drink, and as the cool spiritual power spread within his body, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Judging by the concentration of spiritual energy, it should be a middle-grade spiritual spring..."

Shen Yuan murmured quietly and then returned home, calling Shen Wenxing over.

The father and son stood before the spiritual spring, Shen Wenxing remarked in surprise, "How did Father find this spiritual spring?"

Shen Yuan, with a smile, said, "As one gets older, they sleep less, so I thought to come and take a look."

"Earth vein spiritual energy is denser than ordinary spiritual energy, beneficial for broadening meridians and refining internal spiritual energy."

"The water volume of this spiritual spring should suffice for our entire family."

"What's left... can be given to those children with spirit root immortal seedlings."

"We must quickly elevate their cultivation."

"Also, the spiritual fruits in the garden, later on, can partly be given to those with spirit roots."

Huang Qingzhou's death made him realize once again how frail the strength of the Shen family is now.

When the Barbarian Race invades, even just one more Qi Cultivation Third Realm cultivator accompanying him might have prevented Huang Qingzhou from dying in battle.

Shen Wenxing nodded in agreement.

"This spiritual spring should greatly enhance the cultivation of our clansmen."

A cultivator, especially at the Qi Cultivation stage, consumes spirit rice, drinks spiritual spring water, and if they can use spirit crystals for regular cultivation, such a treatment is something that even many Immortal Sect disciples envy.

It is only because the Shen clan currently has few cultivators that these resources can meet the demand.

As the number of cultivators grows in the future, we mustn't be wasteful like this.

"I'll first make a stone trough here, lest all the spring water flows into the soil and gets wasted."

"We'll also excavate here and build a small pond later..."

The father and son busied themselves in the herb garden.

The next morning, Shen Chongming, after finishing his practice, came early to the backyard.

"Grandfather."

He saw Shen Yuan lying on a deckchair basking in the sun. He approached and cupped his hands, "Grandson has a request to ask of you."

Shen Yuan nodded, "Speak."

Shen Chongming pondered for a moment and said, "Grandson now has the cultivation of the Peak of Qi Cultivation Third Layer, and came to ask grandfather to permit me to lead people to Hidden Dragon Mountain to protect the Shen family in place of my maternal grandfather."

Shen Yuan heard this, slowly sat up, and gave him a long, deep look, saying solemnly:

"You are the legitimate eldest grandson of the Shen family, the future patriarch, the affairs at the frontline are not yet your turn."

Shen Chongming stubbornly replied, "But I'm also a part of the Shen family."

"Rest assured, grandfather. After I go, I'll definitely take care of myself."

Shen Yuan said nothing, glanced at the white bone bow in his hand, and recalled the words this young fellow spoke when choosing a weapon.

"You may go, but you must take Zhao Tuan and the other two with you."

In the Shen family's younger generation, Zhao Tuan and Chen Youran, as well as Shi Miao from Black Stone Village, are all Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators now.

Letting Shen Chongming take them along is not only for safety but also has deeper considerations.

The idea is for the four of them to form deeper bonds amidst life and death, gaining more understanding of each other, to use them more effectively in the future.

"Huh?" Shen Chongming said, surprised, "Shouldn't they stay and cultivate properly?"

Shen Yuan smiled without speaking.

"Alright." After thinking it over for a moment, Shen Chongming nodded and agreed.

"Zhao Tuan is older, steady in temperament. Before taking action, consult his advice more often."

"That kid from Black Stone Village is clever but overly spirited, keep him close and don't entrust him with major tasks alone."

"The girl from the Chen family is attentive but not very talkative, keep this in mind."

Shen Yuan pondered for a moment, still somewhat uneasy as he gave these instructions.

Over the past few years, it was mostly him guiding their cultivation, so he naturally understood their temperaments quite well.

"Grandfather, rest assured, your grandson understands."

"I will take my leave now."

After bowing to Shen Yuan, Shen Chongming left the backyard.

As he watched his figure disappear, Shen Yuan sighed, gently stroking the large black dog beside him and said, "Do you think this boy can succeed?"

The large black dog, shedding its lazy demeanor, lifted its head from the ground, looked at the backyard gate, then at Shen Yuan, slightly opened its mouth, sticking out its tongue.

Shen Yuan chuckled, patting its head, and stood up from the recliner.

"Let's go, let's have a look at those little fellows in the martial arts arena."

Hearing this, the large black dog jumped up swiftly, shook its fur, and followed him to the martial arts arena.

In the backyard martial arts arena, Shen Chonghong was practicing pile skill, tempering his body.

Beside him, Shen Chongxuan, Shen You, and two other boys around six or seven years old stood quietly watching, eyes full of admiration.

Upon hearing footsteps, Shen Chonghong immediately wrapped up his pile skill, and the five of them stood, bowing to Shen Yuan.

With hands behind his back, Shen Yuan came forward, looking at Shen Chonghong:

"How is it going?"

"Have you felt the presence of spiritual qi?"

Shen Chonghong slightly shook his head, embarrassedly said, "Grandson has reached the peak of body tempering for several months but has yet to feel the presence of spiritual qi."

Shen Yuan nodded slightly and said, "In cultivation, one must avoid impatience. If you haven't felt the spiritual qi, it means it's not the right time yet."

"And you, girl?" His gaze turned to Shen You, and Shen Yuan smiled as he spoke.

With a proud face, Shen You replied, "You'Er has already sensed the blood and energy. Soon, I will reach the body tempering realm."

After saying this, she even cast a provocative glance at her two brothers.

"If you two get overtaken by me, it would be embarrassing…"

Hearing these words, Shen Chonghong didn't mind much.

He was already at the peak of body tempering, with a fire attribute spirit root, but just had not yet felt the spiritual qi to step into the Qi Cultivation realm.

However, Shen Chongxuan beside him showed a slight bitter smile.

He lacked a spirit root.

And ever since his father Shen Wenyan left the Shen family, this child seemed to have become much more introverted.

Usually, unlike Shen Chonghong and Shen You, he didn't dare to act playfully with Grandfather.

When he saw Shen Yuan, he was more respectful.

This time, seeing his grandfather only concerned about Brother Shen Chonghong's and Sister Shen You's cultivation, without asking about himself, he inevitably felt a bit desolate.

Shen Chongxuan, after pondering for a while, finally gathered the courage and said, "Grandfather."

Shen Yuan turned his head to look at him, "Hmm?"

Meeting his gaze, Shen Chongxuan hesitated a bit, but ultimately spoke, "Grandson… Grandson may not be cut out for cultivation."

Hearing this, Shen Yuan frowned slightly.

He deeply cared for this grandson as well.

Though without a spirit root, he was once a cheerful and sensible child.

Ever since his father left and he came into contact with cultivation and spirit roots, his personality gradually changed, becoming sensitive, self-abased, and withdrawn.

The reason he hadn't asked him about cultivation this time was also to avoid hurting his self-esteem.

"Chongxuan, there are no set rules in cultivation."

"Do you remember your Brother Zhao Tuan?"

"Isn't he now also a cultivator in the Qi Cultivation realm?"

"As a son of the Shen family, how can you lightly speak of giving up?"

Hearing this, Shen Chongxuan slightly shook his head and said, "Grandfather, I've thought it through. Rather than wasting time on cultivation, I'd like to read more books like Ah Die."

"In the future, acquiring vast knowledge, even as a mortal, I can help my brother manage the Shen family."

"Please grandfather, grant your approval."

He respectfully kneeled with a determined look.

Seeing this, Shen Yuan felt deeply conflicted.

He could see the unspoken resentment hidden in this child's heart.

But cultivation isn't something that can be forced to have a meaningful outcome.

Just like Huang Lingxiu and his wife Hu Yufen, neither were genuinely interested in cultivation, coupled with having no spiritual roots; despite years of pressure, they have scarcely made any progress.

Now, seeing that Shen Chongxuan has lost the drive to cultivate, forcing him would only waste time.

"Child, I know you're not reconciled, but I will respect your decision."

"Think it over thoroughly, talk to your mother, and then come to me, alright?"

Helping him up from the ground, Shen Yuan advised earnestly.

Shen Chongxuan nodded, slightly cupped his hands.

He then cupped his hands towards Shen Chonghong and said, "Brother Chonghong, I will head back first."

Watching his figure leave the martial arts arena, Shen Chonghong wanted to say something, but the words didn't come out.

"Grandfather... Brother Chongxuan, this path isn't good for him."

Shen You looked up at Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan sighed, patting her head, "Grandfather believes he will come to understand."

"Alright, take a break, then practice again later."

"You two youngsters, starting tomorrow, will also begin body tempering."

Next to them, the two boys with spirit roots stood reverently, cupping their hands:

"Yes, Patriarch Grandfather."

After offering a few pointers on the pile skill, Shen Yuan led the large black dog back to the backyard, where Zhao Xuan stood respectfully in the courtyard.

Shen Chongxuan's face was swollen, eyes brimming with tears, yet he knelt proudly at one side.

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