After that incident, the journey back proceeded without complications.
In Ethan's laboratory, the two cultivators' corpses lay on metal tables, ready for analysis. Although his training was not specialized in human anatomy in depth, his knowledge of biomechanics and general biology allowed him to approach the dissection with meticulous precision. He put on gloves and adjusted his glasses while activating AION's interface.
[Initiating analysis. Proceed with external inspection.]
Ethan nodded and visually examined the bodies. At first glance, they were no different from ordinary humans. There were no obvious signs of extraordinary anatomical structures or additional organs that could explain their ability to manipulate spiritual energy. However, the real test would come with a detailed scan.
"AION, begin a full-body spectral sweep. We need to identify any structural or energetic anomalies."
[Initiating scan...]
The skin, muscles, and bones unfolded on a holographic screen with microscopic precision. At first glance, everything appeared within normal parameters until spectrometric readings revealed an unexpected fluctuation in the abdominal region of both bodies.
[Anomaly detected. Abdominal section presents an energy cavity in the solar plexus. It does not correspond to any known biological structure.]
Ethan frowned. "AION, compare this anomaly with previous data from Compound D. Is there any matching pattern?"
[Processing correlation... A similarity is detected in energy absorption capacity and condensation structure. Although the manifestation differs between humans and demonic beasts, both interact with external energy sources.]
Ethan narrowed his eyes as AION deepened the analysis.
[The surrounding tissues exhibit alterations in molecular density. A pattern of energy condensation similar to a highly stabilized electromagnetic field is observed. It is not a physical organ but a localized energy structure: probable correspondence with the 'dantian' described in cultivator texts.]
Crossing his arms, Ethan pondered the information. The dantian was neither a gland nor a specialized sac but an immaterial structure anchored to biological tissues, invisible in a conventional autopsy.
"Interesting... So energy manipulation is not merely a mystical phenomenon but is linked to modifications in the body's energy density. Now, examine the limbs, circulatory system, and spinal cord. We need to determine if the so-called spiritual roots have any anatomical correlation or if they are entirely immaterial."
AION processed the order and adjusted the scan spectrum. On the holographic screens, the nervous system and vascular network unfolded in detail, displaying completely normal biological structures. However, when the analysis focused on energy properties, an anomaly became evident.
[Detection of energy flow patterns. Immaterial trajectories are observed, superimposed on the main blood vessels and nervous network. They do not exhibit cellular structure or discernible molecular composition.]
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Expand the visualization and modulate the density filters. If these spiritual roots exist, they must interact with the physical body in some way."
The hologram adjusted its parameters, revealing a series of energy currents that branched fractally from the dantian to the extremities, resembling a circuit running parallel to the organism's biological pathways. They were neither nerves nor veins but an energetic overlay coexisting with matter without directly depending on it.
[Confirmed. The energy structure maintains a stable pattern but lacks a physical substrate. It functions as an independent conduction field, in apparent resonance with the dantian. This would explain why energy flows through the body without relying on traditional anatomy.]
Ethan exhaled in fascination. "So the spiritual root is not an organ or tissue but an energy framework. An immaterial circuit."
A thought took root in his mind. If spiritual roots channeled energy without a tangible structure, perhaps he could replicate them with the right technology.
With precise movements, he made an incision in the abdominal region of the corpse, extracting small tissue samples surrounding the energy cavity. As expected, he found no physical organ, but AION's sensors reacted immediately.
[Warning: the energy structure is responding to physical intervention. Residual pulses detected dissipating.]
Ethan observed how the previously recorded cavity began to lose cohesion. "It seems that without vital activity, the dantian collapses. This would explain why cultivators' bodies do not retain their energy after death. AION, analyze the dissipation rate. I need to know how long the residual energy persists before completely vanishing."
[Estimation in progress... An exponential decrease is detected. Total dissipation will occur within 12 to 18 hours post-mortem.]
Ethan adjusted his glasses, processing the information.
On the other hand, Shen Bao gathered the Vespers to coordinate the operation that would later be known as Operation Immortal Twilight. As the field commander, he led Hu Zhan and Hu Jian in the assault on the mine.
For the mission, he selected fifty Vespers, including both of them. The march would begin at dusk, ensuring they moved under the cover of darkness to avoid detection.
Before mobilization, he assembled the entire unit and explained the plan in detail. The strategy was clear and decisive: they would regroup before astronomical twilight (05:00-05:30 AM), using the pre-dawn darkness to approach unseen. Once there was enough natural light to shoot with precision, they would execute a lightning attack, striking with maximum force before the enemy could react.
To ensure the assault's effectiveness, Shen Bao sent five Vespers ahead to act as scouts. Their mission was to identify the exact positions of the enemy cultivators, monitor their routines, and detect potential weak points in their formation and defenses.
Every movement was calculated: stealth in approach, synchronization in attack, and the overwhelming force of the first strike would determine the success of the operation.
According to reports, all enemies were at the Qi Cultivation stage, but their exact levels were unknown. Although muskets had proven to be lethal, this was the first frontal attack against cultivators. Caution was key to minimizing risks.
The attack would be executed in four phases. The first group would open fire simultaneously, eliminating the cultivators outside with precision and overwhelming speed. In case of failures, the second group would execute any stragglers while the first reloaded. The third would secure the perimeter, ensuring no one escaped or called for reinforcements. Meanwhile, the fourth group would hold a containment position, ready to neutralize the leaders as soon as they made their move.
The time had come. Without delay, the unit departed in disciplined formation, advancing with precision through the mountainous terrain. Hours later, they regrouped with the scouts at a secure location.
"Captain, report."
"Targets confirmed. Still fifteen. Twelve are scattered at the mine entrance and storage area, supervising the miners. The other three remain inside the central stone building; they appear to be the leaders. One of them, likely the main overseer, has been stationed outside the building."
"Understood. Take your positions and wait for my signal."
The element of surprise was on their side. It was time to challenge the supremacy of the cultivators.
The dawn had yet to peek over the mountains when Xuan Jie exhaled, narrowing his eyes as he watched the entrance to the mine. The night had been quiet, as always. The miners worked in shifts, the slaves had no strength to attempt an escape, and the few guards present were more than enough to maintain order.
He adjusted his robe, trying to shake off the stiffness in his muscles. He was not a powerful cultivator, merely at the fourth level of Qi cultivation, but his strength had secured him a position as the overseer of that mine. Beside him, two of his men spoke in hushed voices, unconcerned with keeping watch over their surroundings. No one would dare challenge the authority of the Xuan family.
Suddenly, an unsettling sensation crawled up his spine. A pang of discomfort made him narrow his eyes as he gazed at the morning mist drifting around. Something was wrong.
"Did you hear that?" he asked one of the guards, turning his head.
"Nothing. Probably just the wind," the other replied.
But Xuan Jie was not convinced. An inexplicable chill ran through his body. Before he could open his mouth to give an order, a thunderous roar shattered the quiet of dawn.
A rain of fire and lead poured down on the guards stationed at the entrance. Their bodies convulsed under lethal impacts before they could even comprehend what was happening. Xuan Jie barely had time to react before seeing one of the guards collapse, a bloody hole in his throat.
"Attack! We're under attack!" he roared in desperation, but his shout was drowned by a second volley.
Xuan Jie felt a searing pain in his shoulder and collapsed to the ground with a cry of agony. He looked at his robe, now soaked in blood.
Chaos erupted in seconds. The miners screamed in terror, seeking shelter behind carts and piles of materials. Gunfire thundered, cutting down the unsuspecting guards who scrambled to regain control.
Darkness still dominated the landscape, but the silhouettes of the attackers were visible in the shadows. They moved with precision, wasting no time. They were not mere bandits. This was a meticulously planned execution.
From the central building, Xuan Min, the mine commander, emerged with contained fury. Unlike the others, he had a respectable level of Qi cultivation. He was at the sixth level, one step away from being considered high-level. His cold gaze swept over the scene, immediately grasping the scale of the attack. Without hesitation, he channeled his energy, raising a Qi barrier around himself.
"Regroup! Defend the mine!" he ordered, his voice like thunder.
The survivors gathered as best they could. The few cultivators present managed to ignite their Qi in a shield, generating a faint glow in the dimness.
Through the morning mist, they could see them—gray robes with hoods, masks covering the lower halves of their faces, disciplined movements. They were neither imperial soldiers nor wandering cultivators. Their precision, their organization… they were something entirely different.
The third volley claimed more of their men. Xuan Min roared in fury and unleashed a wave of Qi with a single sword strike, a surge of raw power expanding in a violent whirlwind. The ground trembled as the energy struck the rock, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.
For a brief moment, the attack ceased. This was their chance.
"Attack!" Xuan Min bellowed.
The surviving cultivators surged forward, their bodies wrapped in flickers of energy. With instantaneous movement techniques, they pierced through the smoke, intent on crushing the invaders before they could attack again.
But they had underestimated their enemies.
The roar of muskets cut through the air once more. The fourth volley cracked like a divine whip. There was no time for evasive maneuvers. The bullets, thick and deadly, tore through Qi shields as if they were glass, shattering barriers and flesh with ruthless efficiency.
One by one, the cultivators fell. Precise shots severed limbs, burst chests, and snatched away lives with brutal speed. Some managed to dodge a bullet, but no defense could withstand the storm of lead. A shield could stop one shot. Maybe two. But not three. Not five.
Xuan Min barely had time to see them all being annihilated. They fell like wheat before the scythe. He tried to step back, to gather Qi for a counterattack, but then he felt the blunt impact. The force made him stagger. His Qi barrier wavered… but it wasn't enough.
Another shot. The impact cracked his shield.
Another shot. His vision blurred.
Another shot.
The last thing Xuan Min saw before everything turned black was the silhouette of a man striding forward, his weapon still smoking, his gaze impassive.
Not a cultivator. Not a noble. No longer a mere mortal...
The twilight had ended. And with it, the era where cultivators reigned unopposed had begun to crumble.