Ryker used his qi and blow up a significant part of the ground, opening it. He did so multiple times, using his qi to remove the debris before stopping when he felt something prickled his skin.
A light glow told him of what he found, something he expected but still could not believe he find it here.
"A Genesis Energy Vein," he muttered, staring at it with some greed.
Energy Vein is similar to metal veins, in that there are something inside of it. But instead of ores or jewels, it contained a very important item for cultivators; Energy Stones and Energy Crystal.
Energy Stones and Energy Crystals are consumable used by cultivators, along side other form of cultivation resources, to increase one's strength and foundation, before ascending to the higher realm.
Energy Stones and Energy Crstals are formed from the world veins, intricate and powerful veins, similar to any living beings, and transport the energy from the core of the world to the different layers of the world.
Some of the veins split up into smaller ones, and slowly get to the surface. The difference of the vein size is what led to the different energy concentration in the in the area, something his parents educated him on.
After all, even if the energy concentration in an area is low, as long as there is life, and it is habitable, than it will have some energy. The reason for there to be a Genesis Energy Vein is likely due to the deeper part of the vein touched the World Vein, or otherwise called as Leyline.
"No wonder those three manage to become cultivators," after all, to become one, they don't need to absorb the energy from Energy Stones, they just need to get close to it and absorb what come out instead of absorbing it in one go.
Only when they become cultivators could they absorb the entirety of the Energy Stones without harming themselves.
"To think I find a treasure trove here," Ryker said to himself. While his parents prepared an 'allowance' of Energy Stones and Energy Crystals, it will took a long time for him to reach the peak of cultivation if he just depended on it, even if the allowance get bigger the stronger his cultivation is.
So, he need to find opportunities in the form of precious natural treasures as well as getting his hands on a lot of Energy Stones and Energy Crystals. So, for him to find such thing will help him in the long run.
"I have to excavate here first, maybe spend a few hours before going back to the village,"
-x-
It took him several hours before he finished excavating a large portion of the Energy Vein, and there still a lot more that he did not finish. The only reason for him to stop is the fact the sun starting to set, and he intend to go back to village.
Though he will not return empty-handed. With the amount of treasures the bandits got, which amount to millions of iron coins, hundred thousands of silver coins, and hundreds of gold coins, which is more than enough for him, even if he give half to the village.
He decided to return to the village, though it looks like his stay here will last longer.
-x-
"Esteemed lord. You are alright," the middle-aged man greeted him, happy to see Ryker looking fine. He did not want his daughter to become a widow, even if the weeding did not happen yet.
Though, his wife reacted, badly would be an understatement when she heard that he gave away their daughter to some new man. Only when she learn of the identity of the man, plus the fact he saved their daughter from being defiled in front of the villagers did she calm down and be more accepting.
"Yes, and you seem to have fun taking your righteous anger against the bandits," Ryker replied, remembering what he saw of the bandits, or what left of them. The worst part for the three is the fact they are still alive, though it would not last long, with how the dogs and vultures already closing in on them when he saw the three.
They currently find themselves being put on a stake outside the village, so the blood and stench will not disturb the villagers. As for their fate, and whether they will be killed by any animals during the night, it is not of any concern to them, as it is something they deserve, in the opinion of the villagers.
"Yes, we are grateful for esteemed lord for that one. Might we ask of what will esteemed lord do now?" the man asked.
"Originally, I plan only to stay here for a day or two before making my way to the nearest towns or cities. But due to finding something interesting, I plan on staying longer," he told the man, who nodded.
"In that case, changing where you stay would be prudent. After all, it is undeserving for a powerful cultivator such as esteemed lord to not get an appropriate lodging. For now, esteemed lord can stay at this lowly ones house.
After all, my daughter awaits you," Ryker nodded, before remembering his is now engage with the younger brunette.
"Don't we need any ceremony at least?" he asked. After all, the wording clearly said that the man expect his to do the deed with his daughter. Which is usually done after the weeding, or so his parents said.
"I am this village mayor, so officiating the marriage can be done as quickly as possible. Though the ceremony will depends on whether the esteemed lord wish for or not,"
Ryker thought of it. While he did not mind having the ceremony, he wanted for his siblings to be there, especially with Ariana as the ring bearer. So, he decided to hold the ceremony.
"I don't mind having the wedding, but I prefer the ceremony is done after I finish my journey. I wish for my siblings to join in the fun," the older man nodded, understanding the reasoning.
"In that case, the wedding shall wait. We will have the official wedding in my house if esteemed lord did not mind," he nodded, telling the older man he did not mind.
"In that case, let's go to this lowly one house. Your future wife, awaits,"
-x-
The official wedding is short, but informative for him. After all, his parents did not tell him of the traditions and cultures of the people, mostly because there are many of those. They only told him to learn as quickly as possible and adapt.
So, he learned how wedding is done in this part at the very least. After the wedding, his new parents-in-law left him with his new bride, who looked at him shyly.