Chapter 169 – The Origin Spring

Chapter 169: Chapter 169 – The Origin Spring

The Origin Spring remained undisturbed after the Guardian’s defeat.

Its luminous water circulated around the stone pedestal, releasing faint waves of energy that spread throughout the chamber. The crystals floating above it continued rotating slowly, maintaining the flow of energy beneath the pool.

Orion had instructed the researchers to establish a temporary examination station near the entrance. They were now carefully analysing the water samples collected earlier, while the combat members secured the surrounding passages.

Azrael stood beside Seraphina, observing the spring.

"Do you think we can absorb its energy directly?"

"Possibly, but we should wait for Orion’s results first. The energy feels different from the resources we’ve used before."

Azrael nodded. He could sense the Origin Energy within the spring, but there was something unusual about its composition. It contained traces of several different energies, all circulating together without interfering with one another.

Orion eventually approached them, carrying a small crystal container.

"We’ve finished the initial examination."

Seraphina turned toward him.

"What did you discover?"

Orion held up the container. The water inside glowed faintly.

"The spring contains highly concentrated Origin Energy, but it also carries traces of Genesis and other natural energies. Its composition is unusually stable."

He paused before continuing.

"More importantly, it responds differently to different bloodlines. The samples we tested showed no dangerous reaction when exposed to either of your energies."

Azrael looked toward the spring.

"So we can absorb it?"

"Yes, but not carelessly. Its energy density is considerably higher than the resources you used during your previous breakthrough. Absorbing too much at once could overload your cores."

Seraphina examined the container.

"How much should we use?"

"Small quantities initially. We’ll monitor your energy circulation and increase the amount gradually if your cores remain stable."

Orion looked toward the researchers.

"Prepare two cultivation chambers. We’ll use the smaller room beside the spring so that the energy remains contained."

The researchers immediately began arranging the equipment.

While they worked, Azrael approached the stone pedestal. His perception extended through its surface, revealing several narrow channels connecting the spring to the surrounding rock.

He noticed that the channels were not merely carrying energy away from the pool. They were also drawing energy from the surrounding environment.

"This spring is connected to the entire cavern."

Orion joined him.

"That’s what we suspected. The Origin Vein beneath the mountain feeds it continuously. The regulator above distributes the excess energy throughout the valley."

Seraphina looked toward the glowing crystals.

"Then the spring might have been replenishing itself for a very long time."

"Exactly."

The researchers completed their preparations shortly afterward.

Two circular cultivation platforms were placed in the smaller chamber, each surrounded by stabilizing crystals. Orion carefully divided the collected spring water into two containers, ensuring that both twins received equal quantities.

"Start with this amount," he instructed. "Allow the energy to circulate through your cores before attempting to absorb more. If you experience instability, stop immediately."

Azrael and Seraphina entered their respective formations.

They sat down and began circulating their Transcendent Energy.

The moment they drank the spring water, warmth spread through their bodies.

Azrael felt the energy enter his core. It was denser than ordinary Origin Energy, but his newly transformed core absorbed it without difficulty.

His Aetherion bloodline reacted almost immediately.

Silver-black energy circulated through his internal pathways, strengthening the connection between his body and energy core. His Transcendent Aetherion Body absorbed the nourishment while his Aetherion Resonance responded to the surrounding energy.

His System appeared.

Origin Spring Absorption

Resource: High-Purity Origin Spring

Compatibility: Stable

Energy Core Response: Positive

Body Tempering: Progressing

Soul Refinement: Progressing

Aetherion Resonance: Increased

Azrael continued circulating the energy.

Rather than allowing it to accumulate in his core, he directed part of it through his body. His muscles and bones gradually absorbed the nourishment, strengthening his physical foundation.

The process was considerably more comfortable than his previous breakthrough, but it still required concentration.

Across the chamber, Seraphina was experiencing a different reaction.

Her Transcendent Genesis Core absorbed the spring water and began producing waves of golden energy. The surrounding crystals responded, releasing small amounts of natural energy that flowed toward her.

Her Genesis Bloom bloodline had a particularly strong affinity for the spring.

Golden light spread across her body, and her wings unfolded behind her.

Seraphina guided the energy through her internal pathways, allowing it to strengthen her core and refine her soul.

Her private System appeared.

Origin Spring Absorption

Resource: High-Purity Origin Spring

Compatibility: Excellent

Energy Core Response: Positive

Body Tempering: Progressing

Soul Refinement: Progressing

Genesis Bloom Understanding: Increased

Origin Nourishment: Activated

She continued absorbing the energy until her core reached a comfortable limit.

Neither twin attempted to force the process. They had already entered the Transcendent Origin Realm, and there was no reason to risk damaging their newly established foundations.

Several hours passed.

Eventually, Orion noticed that the energy circulation around both cultivation chambers had stabilized.

"That’s enough for today."

Azrael slowly opened his eyes.

The energy flowing through his body felt noticeably stronger. His core had absorbed a substantial amount of Origin Energy, and his physical foundation had become more resilient.

Seraphina also finished her cultivation.

She stretched her arms and smiled.

"That was surprisingly effective."

Orion examined their energy readings.

"The spring is an excellent resource. Its effects are particularly beneficial to your bloodlines, and both of your cores have absorbed the energy without any complications."

He turned toward the researchers.

"Record the results. We’ll continue with another controlled absorption session tomorrow."

One of the researchers approached with a small crystalline object.

"Professor, we also examined the Guardian Core."

Orion accepted it.

The crystal was pale gold, with a blue light moving through its centre.

"The Guardian Core contains concentrated Origin Energy, but its structure is more specialised than the spring itself."

He looked toward the twins.

"It may be useful for strengthening your energy control, particularly when dealing with elemental attacks."

Azrael examined the crystal.

"Can it be refined?"

"Yes. However, I recommend waiting until we’ve completed the examination. We don’t know whether the Guardian Core contains any residual instincts from the creature."

Seraphina nodded.

"We can work on that later."

The researchers continued their examination while the twins left the chamber.

Outside, Marcus and Ryan were waiting near the cavern entrance.

Marcus looked at them.

"How was the cultivation?"

"Good," Seraphina replied. "The spring is quite useful."

Ryan glanced toward Orion.

"Does that mean we’re staying here for a while?"

Orion nodded.

"At least another two days. We need to examine the regulator, collect sufficient samples and determine whether the Origin Vein can support further exploration."

Marcus sighed.

"Two more days underground."

Ryan laughed.

"You wanted treasure."

"I didn’t say I wanted to live beside it."

Azrael chuckled before looking toward the passage leading back to the upper chamber.

The expedition had already gained a valuable resource, but the cavern contained more than just the spring. Its ancient regulator, underground channels and concealed chambers suggested that the structure had served an important purpose.

For now, however, the twins had something more immediate to focus on.

Their first day of cultivation in the Transcendent Origin Realm had produced excellent results, and they intended to make full use of the Origin Spring while they had the opportunity.

The following morning, they would continue refining their foundations and begin examining the Guardian Core.