In Yan Yuchen's heart, there was an overwhelming sense of astonishment.
The rotation speed of the golden core became faster and faster, and the cool breath between heaven and earth surged like a tide, penetrating his body through the pores.
Subsequently, it rushed through various spiritual veins, cleansing the impurities within.
Soon, his whole body started sweating profusely.
Within the sweat, there were traces of black, pungent substances, evidently useless byproducts from the refinement process.
After clearing the spiritual veins with the cool breath, it continued flowing towards the lower abdomen. Below the golden core, it coiled into a silver dragon, forming a circular pattern.
"Splash!"
Under the irrigating influx of more and more spiritual energy, the circular pattern suddenly shone and transformed into a round lake.
Mist filled the lake, its water shining, reflecting the mysterious golden core above.
As spiritual energy continuously flowed into the lake from various pores, it resembled numerous streams converging into the sea.
However, the water in the lake didn't increase; instead, it became increasingly hazy, soon turning into a vast expanse of white, obscuring everything.
The golden core, like a golden circular moon, hung in the air above the lake, absorbing the mist, its radiance growing brighter.
This lake was the supreme Dantian capable of refining spiritual energy into spiritual power!
Having a Dantian capable of refining and storing spiritual power marked one as a true cultivator.
Yan Yuchen couldn't have dreamed that merely experimenting with that magical golden core would lead him to comprehend spiritual energy and effortlessly open his elixir field in just a few hours.
Cultivation seemed so straightforward, almost unbelievably easy, catching him off guard.
"It's all because of that golden core. Before coming here, my body could already operate spiritual energy. The mysterious warm flow, carrying a mysterious power, is probably the original spiritual power transmitted from the golden core."
Comprehending spiritual energy was so simple due to the pre-existing spiritual power within him.
The origin of that golden core remained a puzzle in Yan Yuchen's excited yet perplexed mind.
Looking up, outside the cave, the dawn had already broken.
Unconsciously, a night had quietly passed.
There were still tasks tomorrow. Although he felt revitalized, with heightened senses and clear-headedness, it was time to rest his eyes.
Even without sleeping, he could calm the emotions in his heart.
Tranquility was restored in the cave.
Before long, the bright sunlight streamed in, marking the arrival of a new day.
The laborers woke up on time, hurriedly getting ready and rushing to their respective positions.
Yang Shan, on his way out, cast a gloomy glance at Yan Yuchen, harboring a resentment for the humiliation. Today, he was determined to confirm if his words were true; he didn't want to be toyed with by a newcomer.
Xiao Yuan, holding a long broom, swept away fallen leaves on the path. Before leaving, he diligently arranged Yan Yuchen's shoes, making it more convenient for him to put them on.
Yan Yuchen, after waking up, followed yesterday's path and arrived at the prison.
The guard at the entrance glanced at him but didn't linger.
The guard captain extended his hand, saying coldly, "Little handyman, remember, you must present your waist token for inspection every time before entering. Otherwise, be careful; we might mistake you for an accomplice of those monsters and eliminate you on the spot!"
Yan Yuchen apologized and presented his waist token.
The captain, however, didn't take it, just glanced at it indifferently, waved his hand, and said, "Alright, go in."
It seemed like he just wanted to show off his authority in front of a lowly handyman, not necessarily to inspect the token.
Yan Yuchen inwardly criticized him and entered the prison.
Last night, he was somewhat uneasy coming in, but now, there was no trace of fear.
After a rough understanding yesterday, although some of these monsters had a violent and bloodthirsty nature, they couldn't use any divine abilities. With caution, they posed no threat to him.
He picked up the broom and started sweeping the first cell.
Although there was no trash inside, he still cleaned meticulously.
In a corner, a white and tender infant cowered, body trembling, and face extremely pale, obviously suffering from a serious illness, filled with apparent pain.
"Brother... if there's no spiritual water, I will die..."
When Yan Yuchen finished cleaning and was about to leave, the weak voice of the infant spoke.
Yan Yuchen paused, took a step back, and asked, "Should I inform someone outside about your situation?"
The infant shook its head with bitterness, saying, "They won't care about me. I no longer have any value to them. Telling them would be useless."
Yan Yuchen asked, "Then when will they give you spiritual water?"
The infant lifted its head, eyes filled with a hint of sadness, sighed, and said, "In previous years, it used to be once a month. Now, it's probably once every six months. For someone like me, it's unlikely to receive it even once. Those spiritual waters are precious, but after layers of exploitation by those people, there are few left that can be sent into the prison."
Yan Yuchen asked in confusion, "Don't the elder figures above, like the elders, care?"
The infant bitterly smiled, "They protect each other. How would they know? Even if they did know, they would never do anything to those disciples for the sake of a monster. So, over the years, their audacity has grown, and many spirits in the prison can barely endure."
Seeing the infant clutching its chest, trembling slightly, obviously enduring inhuman pain, Yan Yuchen apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm just a lowly handyman, and I can't help you. I don't even know what spiritual water is, so..."
He waved his hand and closed the prison door.
For some reason, a trace of compassion rose in his heart. Although the other was not human, they were not entirely wicked either, and their crimes didn't warrant death.
Opening the second cell, the big-headed monster that had attempted violence before was now huddled in a corner, groaning in pain, evidently tormented.
It had been suffering unbearably, prompting it to take risks and attempt to suck blood. Yesterday, after being injured by Yan Yuchen, it was now even more uncomfortable.
After cleaning the cell, Yan Yuchen lightly kicked it with his foot and asked, "How are you holding up? I heard that you demons have treasures on you. Should I get someone to bring you some spiritual water in exchange for your treasures?"
The big-headed monster opened its eyes, full of resentment, and gritted its teeth, "You despicable kid, trying to deceive me! You're not just a handyman; you came for the treasures on me. Let me tell you, even if I die, I'll destroy everything on me. You won't get a single strand of my fur!"
This monster had obviously been deceived a lot over the years. Presumably, it had exchanged treasures for spiritual water, only to have the other party take the treasures and leave without providing any water. Hence, it was now suspicious and paranoid.
Yan Yuchen shook his head, didn't say more, and closed the cell door.
Opening the third cell, the charming nine-tailed fox was lying on the ground, disheveled and motionless, with closed eyes.
Yan Yuchen stood at the doorway and called out a couple of times, but she showed no response.
"Hmm, could she be dead?"
He walked into the cell, used the broom in his hand to tap her cheek, and loudly said, "Hey, little monster, get up and drink some spiritual water. I have a lot here."
She remained lying on the ground, not moving at all, as if devoid of any breath.
Yan Yuchen's heart tightened, hastily dropping the broom and rushing over. He crouched in front of her, preparing to lift her and check on her condition.
At that moment, the nine-tailed fox abruptly opened her eyes and swiftly lunged!
She grabbed his neck, pinning him beneath her. A flash of red light gleamed in her eyes as she bit down on his neck, revealing two sharp fangs on either side of her mouth!
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