Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1828 - 1383: Earth Element

The moment Li Zhirui stepped into the Primal Spirit Realm, a frown tightened across his face. "In theory, the density of spiritual energy in the Primal Spirit Realm should be rising," he whispered to himself. "Why has it actually decreased compared to a millennium ago? Furthermore..."

"Why does a trace of polluted air seem to hang between heaven and earth?"

The situation was far too bizarre!

Driven by the need to uncover the truth, he increased his speed and soared toward Mount Wanxian.

Li Zhirui’s expression remained grim throughout his swift flight. He had hoped this phenomenon was merely an isolated case, but he soon realized that this foul atmosphere permeated the entire Primal Spirit Realm!

Upon arriving at Mount Wanxian, he immediately sought out Li Liangxiang. "What transpired in the Primal Spirit Realm during my absence?" he demanded. "Why is there a subtle polluted air lingering in the air?"

"Ancestor Rui!"

Li Liangxiang rose instantly to show his respect before addressing the query. "Several years back, the Demonic Tao employed a clandestine technique across the East Continent, Western Sea, and Southern Domain. It was designed to rapidly corrupt the Spirit Veins and the world itself, but Sheng Ancestor and Shuo Ancestor have already dealt with it."

"Is it possible that some hidden threats remain?"

Had Li Zhirui not mentioned it, Li Liangxiang would have assumed the crisis was over; after all, the general consensus was that the problem had been fully resolved.

Now, however, it seemed the matter was far from settled.

A sense of dread washed over Li Liangxiang. He feared this issue might spark more chaos, and he worried about the Li family being thrust into the limelight for being the ones to uncover it.

"I cannot say for certain what is happening yet. I must investigate the situation personally."

Before his voice could fade, Li Zhirui vanished from the great hall.

"Sigh!"

Watching him go, Li Liangxiang let out a helpless sigh. Regardless of the truth, they could only wait for his return to deliberate further.

After departing the family hall, Li Zhirui’s first stop was the Spirit Vein of Mount Wanxian.

"Ancestor Rui!"

Before he could begin his inspection, Li Mingyao appeared at his side, his voice filled with excitement. "You have returned?"

"Indeed."

He gave a curt reply, focusing his entire being on extending his Spiritual Soul into the depths to meticulously analyze the state of the Spirit Vein.

After a moment, Li Zhirui’s brow furrowed deeper. "No irregularities?"

"Ancestor Rui, has something gone wrong?"

"I will explain later. For now, lead me to the Spirit Vein that was previously tainted by the Demon Cultivator."

Though confused, Li Mingyao obeyed. Invoking his Divine Power, he guided them both deep into the earth.

In under half an hour, they stood before a Spirit Vein.

Li Zhirui swept his Divine Sense through it, searching every nook and cranny with extreme care, yet his frown remained fixed.

"Onward to the next Spirit Vein."

"As you wish!"

Over the next few hours, they inspected five or six different Spirit Veins. The outcome was identical every time; not a single speck of pollution was found.

"How strange! If the corruption within the Spirit Veins was purged entirely, then where is this faint polluted air in the atmosphere coming from?"

Lost in thought, Li Zhirui muttered to himself, momentarily forgetting Li Mingyao’s presence. The latter was startled by the words.

Years had passed—could there really be lingering consequences?

"If the Spirit Veins are not the cause, then only one possibility remains!" Li Zhirui seemed to reach a conclusion, his face turning deathly serious.

Li Mingyao asked softly, "Ancestor Rui, what have you found?"

"Let us return to the family. I shall explain everything once we are all together."

Despite his burning curiosity, Li Mingyao could only follow orders. He sent word ahead to Li Liangxiang, requesting that several Elders be gathered to ensure no time was wasted.

Consequently, when the two arrived back at the Mount Wanxian family hall, Da Qing, Xiaoqing, and the others were already arriving.

"Jiu/Ancestor Rui!"

With a wave of his hand, Li Zhirui signaled for everyone to be seated. "This is currently just my hypothesis and remains unconfirmed. Do not speak of this to anyone outside."

"Understood!"

Since only a select few Elders had been summoned, the room contained only a small group of highly trusted individuals.

"You might have missed it, but there is a constant, subtle polluted air drifting through the world. While it may not seem harmful at first, the long-term absorption of spiritual energy will cause a massive buildup of this pollution within one's body!"

Li Zhirui continued grimly, "This will not only hinder your ability to achieve a breakthrough but also leave you vulnerable to inner demons, potentially causing you to fall into the Demonic Tao!"

The revelation left everyone in shock. Did this not make the already grueling path of Cultivation even more treacherous?

In Li Zhirui’s eyes, however, the individual struggle was not the primary concern. The real danger was how this polluted air would stifle the growth of the entire world, placing an unbearable strain on the Primal Spirit Realm itself.

Solutions existed for the former, but for the latter, they were powerless.

"How can this be? Didn't Cheng Sheng and Cheng Shuo purge the corruption from the Spirit Veins? Why does the polluted air persist?" Xiaoqing asked immediately.

"Who told you that polluted air can only originate from a Spirit Vein?"

Li Zhirui looked at the bewildered faces of his kin and shook his head. "The Earth Core and Earth Core are the true primary sources of spiritual energy."

At his words, they realized their mistake. Many believed spiritual energy was born solely from Spirit Veins, but that was a misconception.

No matter its grade, a Spirit Vein is anchored to a specific location. Yet, across the vast expanse of the Primal Spirit Realm, spiritual energy is found almost everywhere, even in places where no Spirit Vein exists.