Li Ximing pinched a thread of mana off and flicked his finger, lighting the mana lanterns on either side. Brilliant light spilled forth as he pushed open the vermillion doors. Spiritual qi surged toward him in a wave, whipping his robe into a flurry.0

The space was dim, lit only by the faint glow of the active formation. The hall itself was square, no more than thirty meters across in either direction. Lanterns flared on the walls, revealing a few stone tables and chairs casually set about. Formation markings crisscrossed the floor in interwoven threads of red and black.0

The Meng family's fire vein, forged of bronze and inlaid with eight pieces of scarlet iron, was in the center, emanating a deep crimson glow. Li Ximing quickly spotted a spirit spring tucked into a corner. Its quality was quite poor, and it burbled forth with sluggish, bubbling water.0

Ding-dong…0

The clear spirit water resumed flowing along the carved channels in the ground, trickling into the quenching pool with a gentle tinkle....0