Chapter 168 – Beneath the Ancient Archway

Chapter 168: Chapter 168 – Beneath the Ancient Archway

The expedition gathered near the ancient archway shortly after sunrise.

Orion had spent the previous evening examining the underground entrance, and the researchers had prepared several instruments to measure the energy fluctuations below the valley. The combat members carried their weapons and supplies, while Azrael and Seraphina stood near the front.

"According to our measurements, the passage descends approximately three hundred metres," Orion explained. "The energy concentration increases as we go deeper. We haven’t detected any movement inside, but that doesn’t guarantee the passage is unoccupied."

Marcus tightened the straps of his armour.

"Why do ancient places always have to be underground?"

Ryan laughed. "Would you rather explore a dragon’s nest?"

"At least dragons don’t build mysterious staircases."

Seraphina smiled at their exchange before looking toward the entrance.

"Are we ready?"

Orion nodded.

"Let’s move."

The expedition entered the passage.

A staircase carved directly into the mountain descended beneath the valley. Its walls were covered in ancient symbols, and faint blue crystals provided enough illumination to see the path ahead.

Azrael walked beside Seraphina, maintaining his perception over the surrounding area. The deeper they travelled, the more noticeable the energy became.

"This place contains a large amount of Origin Energy," he observed.

Orion nodded.

"Much more than the surface. It may have been built around a natural Origin Vein."

After several minutes, the staircase opened into a large underground chamber.

The researchers stopped in surprise.

An enormous cavern stretched before them. Crystal formations covered its ceiling, while several streams of luminous energy flowed through channels carved into the floor. At the centre stood a circular platform surrounded by six stone pillars.

Beyond the platform were several closed stone doors.

Orion approached the nearest pillar.

"This architecture is extremely old. The materials are unlike anything we’ve encountered in the academy’s records."

One researcher examined the inscriptions.

"These symbols appear to describe energy circulation."

Azrael studied the platform. His perception detected several channels beneath its surface, all converging toward a crystal embedded in the centre.

Seraphina approached the crystal and felt a gentle pulse.

"There’s life energy here."

She placed her hand near its surface without touching it.

"It’s not coming from plants or creatures. The energy is flowing through the entire cavern."

Orion examined his instrument.

"This chamber appears to regulate the Origin Vein. The pillars are stabilizers, and the central crystal distributes the energy through the surrounding channels."

A sudden vibration interrupted him.

The central crystal began glowing.

Several blue lines illuminated across the floor, spreading toward the six pillars. The entire platform activated, and a deep rumbling sound travelled through the cavern.

"Everyone, step back!" Orion shouted.

The researchers quickly retreated.

Azrael remained near the platform, watching the energy flow.

Something was wrong.

One of the channels was carrying energy in the opposite direction. It moved against the established flow, causing the crystal to fluctuate.

"Orion, the third channel is unstable!"

Orion examined the platform.

"You’re right. The energy is reversing!"

The crystal flashed brightly.

A powerful surge erupted from the centre, striking one of the pillars. Cracks spread across its surface, and the entire formation began shaking.

Seraphina immediately raised her staff.

"Golden Sanctuary!"

A golden barrier spread around the researchers, protecting them from the flying fragments.

Azrael approached the unstable channel.

He could sense the corrupted energy moving through it, gradually spreading toward the other pillars. If it reached the central crystal, the entire formation could collapse.

He raised Astraeus.

"Oblivion Judgment."

A thin layer of darkness spread along the blade. Instead of attacking the crystal, he targeted the unstable energy inside the channel.

With a precise movement, he severed the corrupted flow.

The energy immediately weakened.

However, the crystal continued fluctuating.

Seraphina stepped toward the opposite side of the platform.

"Genesis Bloom!"

Golden roots emerged from beneath the floor, spreading along the damaged channels. She directed them toward the weakened sections, using their natural energy to stabilize the surrounding structure.

The pillars gradually stopped shaking.

The crystal’s light became steady.

After several seconds, the entire chamber returned to silence.

Orion stared at the restored formation.

"That was close."

Azrael lowered his sword.

"The unstable energy had been circulating for a long time. It was only a matter of time before the formation failed."

Seraphina withdrew her Genesis Energy.

"The roots helped stabilize the damaged channels, but I don’t think we should activate it again until the researchers understand how it works."

Orion nodded.

"Agreed. We need to examine everything before making another attempt."

The researchers began inspecting the pillars.

Meanwhile, Azrael approached the central crystal. A faint System notification appeared in his vision.

Ancient Structure Identified

Designation: Origin Vein Regulator

Current Condition: Partially Damaged

Energy Source: Natural Origin Vein

Function: Energy Distribution and Stabilization

Available Resources: Unknown

Azrael dismissed the notification and looked toward Seraphina.

"There’s something beneath the platform."

She approached him.

"I can feel it too. The energy is flowing downward."

Orion overheard them.

"Then we should investigate the lower chamber. But first, we need to make sure the upper formation is stable."

The researchers spent the next hour examining the structure. They discovered that the six pillars were connected to the central platform through channels that extended deeper into the mountain.

Eventually, they found a narrow passage behind the platform.

It led to another staircase.

Orion examined the entrance.

"This wasn’t part of the original staircase. It appears to have been concealed behind the central structure."

Marcus looked down the passage.

"Another staircase. Wonderful."

Ryan patted his shoulder.

"Don’t worry. Maybe this one leads to treasure."

"That’s what worries me."

Orion smiled faintly before turning toward the twins.

"Your new realm should allow you to handle most threats we might encounter, but we still need to proceed carefully. The researchers will remain here and continue examining the regulator. I’ll take a smaller group down."

Azrael nodded.

"We’ll go ahead."

Seraphina adjusted her grip on her staff.

"Let’s see what’s down there."

The group entered the lower passage.

Unlike the previous staircase, this one was much narrower. The walls were smooth, and the blue crystals were replaced by small golden lights embedded in the stone.

After descending for several minutes, they reached another chamber.

This one was considerably smaller.

Its centre contained a large circular pool filled with clear, luminous water. Several crystalline formations floated above the surface, slowly rotating around a stone pedestal.

Seraphina immediately sensed the energy.

"That’s Genesis Energy."

Azrael examined the pool.

"And there’s something else mixed into it."

A private notification appeared.

Rare Resource Detected

Origin Spring

Classification: Natural Origin Resource

Properties:

Enhances Origin Energy

Supports Energy Core Refinement

Improves Bloodline Development

Purity: High

Seraphina looked at the pool with interest.

"This could help us strengthen our new cores."

Orion examined the water using one of his instruments.

"Extraordinary. An Origin Spring of this purity could be extremely valuable. It may have been one of the reasons this regulator was constructed."

One researcher approached the pedestal.

"There’s an inscription here."

He carefully cleared away the dust.

The inscription contained only a few lines:

The spring nourishes those who can endure its energy.

Orion read it twice.

"That sounds like a warning."

Azrael examined the pool more closely.

"The energy concentration is too high for ordinary cultivators to absorb directly."

Seraphina nodded.

"We shouldn’t use it without testing the water first."

Orion agreed.

"We’ll collect a small sample and examine its properties. If it’s safe, we can determine how best to use it."

The researchers prepared several containers and carefully collected a small quantity of the luminous water.

As soon as the first sample was removed, the crystals above the pool began rotating faster.

The water rippled.

A faint vibration travelled through the pedestal.

Azrael immediately turned toward the far wall.

"Something is moving."

The stone surface cracked.

A creature emerged from behind it, unfolding its enormous body.

It resembled a serpent with four short limbs and a broad crystalline head. Its scales were pale gold, and its eyes glowed with a deep blue light.

Orion quickly stepped in front of the researchers.

"An Origin Spring Guardian!"

The creature released a sharp hiss, and the energy inside the chamber surged.

Azrael’s System identified it.

Creature Identified: Origin Spring Guardian

System Level: 41

Power Realm: Early Transcendent Origin

Classification: Guardian Beast

Attributes: Water, Origin

The creature lunged toward the group.

Azrael stepped forward and intercepted its attack with Astraeus.

CLANG!

The impact sent a shockwave across the chamber.

The Guardian recoiled, but immediately released a stream of concentrated water energy.

Seraphina raised her staff.

"Golden Sanctuary!"

A golden barrier formed before the researchers, stopping the attack from reaching them.

Azrael pushed forward, striking the creature’s side with a powerful sword slash. The Guardian twisted its body and struck him with its tail.

He blocked, but the impact forced him backward.

Seraphina moved to his side.

"Its scales are reinforced by Origin Energy. I’ll weaken its defence!"

She raised her staff.

"Genesis Bloom: Radiant Petal Storm!"

Golden petals filled the chamber, striking the creature repeatedly. The Guardian’s scales began losing their glow as Genesis Energy disrupted the energy surrounding its body.

Azrael immediately followed.

"Oblivion Judgment!"

A concentrated black arc struck the exposed section beneath its neck.

The Guardian roared and collapsed against the stone floor.

Its body dissolved into particles of Origin Energy, leaving behind a small golden crystal.

Orion approached cautiously.

"A Guardian Core."

He examined it before looking toward the pool.

"It was protecting the spring. Removing the water must have disturbed its resting state."

Seraphina looked at the crystal.

"Can we use it?"

Orion nodded.

"Potentially. But we’ll examine it first. We already have a valuable discovery here, and there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks."

Azrael turned toward the Origin Spring.

The luminous water had returned to its calm state.

His System displayed another notification.

Location Discovery

Origin Spring Chamber

Resource Available: High-Purity Origin Spring

Guardian Defeated: Origin Spring Guardian

Exploration Reward: Granted

The expedition had discovered a natural resource capable of supporting further development in the Transcendent Origin Realm.

Orion instructed the researchers to secure the chamber and prepare suitable containers. The spring would be carefully examined before anyone attempted to absorb its energy.

Azrael and Seraphina remained near the pool, watching the luminous water circulate around the pedestal.

Their breakthrough had taken them into a new realm, but the Eastern Origin Wilds had already provided another opportunity to strengthen themselves.

And this time, the reward was something they could use to develop their powers rather than merely survive another battle.