Chapter 365: Heart of the Earth Vein

Deep within the Qingcheng Shanmai, thick clouds and mist act like a natural barrier, isolating a hidden valley from the outside world. Even at high noon, the valley remains hazy, the light filtered by the mist to take on a dreamlike, greenish-blue hue.

Lin Xuan stands at the entrance of the valley, carefully observing the patterns on the rocks on the ground. These patterns are not ordinary traces of Nature, but show clear regularity, connecting to one another to form a massive Array structure.

"A natural Energy Array, carrying the power of the earth," Lin Xuan whispers to himself. "This is indeed the 'Heart of the Earth Vein'."

Ling Bo's voice comes through the mental link: "Lin Xuan, you have arrived. I can feel the intense Earth Element fluctuations around you. The Earth Element component is not far ahead."

"Understood, I am exploring deeper," Lin Xuan replies, then follows the path formed by the rock patterns, walking slowly into the valley.

From time to time, faint sounds of stones rubbing against each other come from the mist, as if the entire valley were a living thing, breathing gently. With every step, Lin Xuan can feel the vibration beneath his feet; this vibration seems to be transmitting some kind of information, forming a wondrous resonance with his footsteps.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour, the mist suddenly disperses, and an open valley floor appears before his eyes. In the center of the valley is a flat stone plaza, surrounded by dozens of stone houses. The architectural style is primitive and unique, each piece of stone appearing as if it grew naturally rather than being carved by human hands.

An old man with a weathered face but vigorous spirit stands in the center of the plaza, followed by a dozen men and women of various ages. They are dressed simply, but each wears a similar jade pendant.

"Welcome to the Shi clan grounds, Mr. Lin Xuan." The old man nods slightly, his voice low and powerful, like rocks rubbing against each other. "I am Shi Yuanshan, the clan leader of this generation. We have been waiting for a long time."

Lin Xuan is slightly startled: "You knew I was coming?"

Shi Yuanshan smiles calmly: "When the heavens and earth changed and the defense network began to collapse, we knew that the time for selecting the Earth Element Houxuanzhe was approaching. Mr. Saide's intelligence only confirmed this."

He signals to the clansmen behind him, and a young woman steps forward. She is about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a slender figure and hair like a waterfall.

"This is my granddaughter, Shi Qi," Shi Yuanshan introduces. "Among our Shi clan, she has the closest connection to the earth. Since she was a child, she has been able to perceive changes in the earth veins and can even predict earthquakes."

Shi Qi bows to Lin Xuan, her voice as clear as a mountain stream: "Senior Lin, I have long admired your name."

Lin Xuan returns the bow, then gets straight to the point: "Clan Leader Shi, I believe you are already aware of the purpose of my visit. The fleet of the extraterrestrial civilization has arrived, and the defense network is about to collapse completely. We must find a suitable Earth Element Houxuanzhe as soon as possible to activate the Heaven Origin Instrument."

Shi Yuanshan's expression turns serious: "Mr. Lin, I understand the urgency of the situation, but the Earth Element component concerns the stability of the earth veins, and choosing a Houxuanzhe must be done with caution. According to our ancestral teachings, we need to conduct an 'Earth Resonance' test, letting the earth itself choose the suitable successor."

Although Lin Xuan is anxious, he understands the importance of this ancient ritual, so he nods in agreement: "Please arrange the test as soon as possible."

Shi Yuanshan nods, then leads everyone to a special area on one side of the valley. The ground here is a perfect circle, paved with nine different types of rock in a specific pattern, with a huge piece of green jade in the center, its surface carved with ancient Runes.

"This is the testing ground for 'Earth Resonance'," Shi Yuanshan explains. "Everyone participating in the test must stand on the central green jade and release their own energy to resonate with the earth. If they receive the earth's approval, the green jade will emit a golden-yellow light."

Shi Qi steps forward first and, at her grandfather's signal, stands in the center of the green jade. She closes her eyes, presses her hands gently onto the surface of the jade, and begins to release her own energy.

A moment later, a wondrous scene occurs. The green jade begins to tremble slightly, and the Runes on its surface light up one by one, emitting a gentle golden-yellow glow. This light spreads rapidly, covering the entire testing ground and even extending outward to the whole valley.

All the Shi clansmen show expressions of astonishment. Shi Yuanshan's voice trembles slightly with excitement: "No one has ever been able to trigger such a strong resonance! Shi Qi's connection to the earth is far beyond our imagination!"

The light lasts for about a quarter of an hour before gradually fading. Shi Qi opens her eyes, an excited expression on her face: "Grandfather, I felt it... the pulse of the earth, and the call of the ancient times."

Shi Yuanshan's expression is complex; he is proud that his granddaughter has been chosen, yet worried about the dangers she will face. He takes a deep breath and turns to Lin Xuan: "The test results are clear. Shi Qi is the Earth Element Houxuanzhe, but she is still so young..."

Lin Xuan understands the old man's concerns and steps forward to promise solemnly: "Clan Leader Shi, please rest assured. I guarantee in the name of a Practitioner that I will do my utmost to protect Shi Qi's safety. At this moment when Diqiu faces life and death, every Houxuanzhe bears a heavy mission."

Shi Qi stands beside her grandfather and takes his hand: "Grandfather, I am willing to accept this mission. The Shi clan has guarded the earth for generations; now that the earth is in trouble, how can I stand by and watch?"

Shi Yuanshan sighs deeply and finally nods in agreement: "We cannot go against the choice of fate." He turns and walks toward his stone house, returning a moment later holding an ancient wooden box.

"The Earth Element component is sealed within this Jade Pendant, guarded by our clan for generations." Shi Yuanshan opens the wooden box, revealing a bright green Jade Pendant shaped like a leaf, its surface carved with fine earth vein patterns. "Now, it will recognize its new master."

Under the gaze of Lin Xuan and Shi Yuanshan, Shi Qi carefully takes the Jade Pendant. The moment her fingers touch the jade, the entire valley begins to shake violently.

The Jade Pendant slowly melts in Shi Qi's hand, turning into a stream of golden-yellow energy that enters her body. Shi Qi's pupils turn a pure golden-yellow, and her whole body is surrounded by light of the same color. She feels an unprecedented power surging through her entire body, as if she has become one with the entire earth.

"I can perceive... the changes in the earth veins within a hundred miles," Shi Qi says in surprise. She raises her hand and waves it gently, and several giant boulders nearby obey her command and move slowly. "I can even control the flow of rock and soil!"

At the same time, Ling Bo transmits this news to Li Yan and the other Houxuanzhe through the mental link: "The Earth Element component has been found, and the Houxuanzhe is confirmed. All five Five Elements Heaven Origin components have been gathered; we can prepare for the final assembly."

Lin Xuan takes Shi Qi's hand, his tone sincere: "From now on, you are one of the five elemental Houxuanzhe, bearing the heavy responsibility of defending Diqiu. The journey will be difficult, but you are not alone."