Ethereal Mountain Range

After an unknown period of time had elapsed, the transformation of the soul sea drew near completion, and a faint silhouette materialized from ethereal lights.

Zhou Yuan's soul, once ephemeral and intangible, now possessed a more resilient and corporeal form.

In the outside world, Zhou Yuan opened his eyes, his voice filled with determination as he declared, "It's time to begin." 

Rising from his bed, he quietly left the confines of his courtyard. Before departing, he placed a letter under the door of Qing'er's room and departed.

Instead of using the main entrance, he chose to take a secret passage that only a few people knew about. This hidden path connected to a mountain located behind the expansive Zhou Clan estate. Luckily, his courtyard was nearby.

Using his exceptional spiritual vision, Zhou Yuan skillfully avoided detection from the few guards who were at the Qi Refinement stage. Those at the Spirit Foundation Realm were preoccupied with guarding other crucial areas of the estate.

Meanwhile, the elders at the Spirit Ocean Realm were rarely seen within the estate, as they were either busy with their responsibilities or diligently cultivating. Zhou Yuan moved through the estate like a shadow, his presence barely noticeable.

Before long, he arrived at the base of the mountain, an expanse renowned as the Ethereal Mountain Range. Zhou Yuan continued his ascent, undeterred by the darkness that enveloped the surroundings. 

To him, this place was a symphony of spiritual lights, akin to the fabled aurora borealis from his previous life. Such splendor unfolded before him due to his spirit sight's ability to perceive the abundant spiritual qi saturating this mountainous region.

The Ethereal Mountain Range was known for being a restricted area within the Zhou Clan, only accessible to the patriarchs and other respected elders.

It was a place where abundant reserves of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi could be found, making it essentially a private training ground for the clan's most authoritative members.

Zhou Yuan retrieved a wooden token from his storage ring, its surface adorned with intricate layers of runes forming a captivating pattern. As he held it in his hand, a mixture of emotions welled up within him. 

It had been many years since he last cultivated on this mountain, and during that time, his grandfather had entrusted him with this token, never once asking for its return.

This act of trust and care from his grandfather spoke volumes about their deep bond.

Unlike his cousin Zhou Ling, who was often spoiled, Zhou Yuan knew he was cherished in a different way. This wooden token held a special power - it granted access to the spiritual rune formation. 

By carrying it, one could safely navigate through the formation without being subjected to any harm. However, such token was exceedingly rare and difficult to create. Even Zhou Kai the First Elder of the Zhou Clan only had one token. 

Naturally, only Zhou Yuan's grandfather, the patriarch Zhou Xuan, possessed more than one.

According to his grandfather, this entire area was once protected by a formidable mid-grade 4th Rank spiritual rune array. This array possessed the ability to launch attacks against anyone who dared to approach the mountain.

Even individuals in the Soul Origin Realm would find it immensely challenging to overcome its defenses.

As Zhou Yuan continued his journey through the formation, he eventually reached his intended destination. He found himself standing by a serene and isolated lake nestled beneath the towering mountain. The lake stretched out for several hundred meters, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding scenery. In the heart of the lake, there lay a small island. 

Huu...

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Yuan focused his soul power, allowing it to flow through his feet as he approached the lake with measured steps. Reflecting on the unique nature of soul power, he whispered to himself, "Soul power really is unique, it is not as powerful as spiritual qi in the early stages but it's much easier to control." 

Zhou Yuan found the contrast between soul power and spiritual qi fascinating. While the latter resembled a wild horse that required taming over time, the former was akin to a well-trained pet, obedient and responsive.

Upon reaching the small island, Zhou Yuan settled himself on a large rock and began to meditate, seeking to calm his mind...