Fang Yuan arrived at the mouth of the spirit mine, the air faintly cool as the earth seemed to hum with hidden energy.
The two guards straightened the moment they saw him. Fang Yuan gave them a courteous nod first, his calm voice cutting the silence.
"Anyone inside?"
"Not yet, Clan Head," one of the guards replied with a bow.
"Good. Make sure no one enters until I emerge."
The guards answered with a firm nod, their expressions solemn.
Without another word, Fang Yuan turned and strode deeper into the mine.
The tunnels stretched on, a labyrinth of stone veins glistening faintly with traces of spiritual energy.
His footsteps echoed softly until, at last, he emerged into the chamber that cradled the spirit pond.
The moment he stepped within its range, the atmosphere shifted. The spiritual energy surged, dense and intoxicating, washing over him in a tide so much richer than the outside world.
