Chapter 3, Taking a step back, the sea is vast and the sky is wide

Outside the window, it remains eerily quiet; apart from the mountains, there are only trees, and not a single human figure can be seen.

They are a prominent family from Anyang. The old mine boss was filled with anger, so his words were naturally not polite

I want to borrow money, borrowing four million. Xie Xiaoyu did not hesitate and directly asked for the loan.

What is going on? Isn't there a restriction around the mining area? asked Xie Xiaoyu

"I just built a new house," Aunt Li complained softly

Xie Xiaoyu was equally troubled; he had no special means to deal with someone skilled in mysterious techniques. This time, due to the opponent's lack of vigilance, his Thunder Pearl struck successfully, but it would not be so easy next time

However, Li Guangzong is no longer what he used to be; cultivators and martial artists are entirely different matters.

This is an extremely ominous hexagram, a situation from which there is no return. Xie Xiaoyu did not elaborate further; he turned to Su Mingcheng and said: "Could you do me a favor? Please find out what exactly is going on with that person, why they left in such a hurry. It seems a bit too coincidental. Is it possible that someone has set up such a trap?"

After examining the copper coins, Xie Xiaoyu frowned and coldly asked, "Have you inquired about their authenticity?"

With a crisp crack, Xie Xiaoyu broke the fan. This item is a nuisance; it is safer to destroy it.

Although the old miner did not receive any confirmation, his mood improved significantly as he nodded and said, "I will wait."

What should we do?" Li Guangzong asked

It is indeed unnecessary to stay any longer. Li Guangzong has even decided not to continue mining. In his view, with his current abilities, doing anything is better than mining.

The soft sword flickered with a flurry of sword flowers, instantly unleashing dozens of strikes. The swordsmanship of that individual was extraordinary, undoubtedly ranking among the best among martial artists. In comparison, the previous Li Guangzong might not have been able to withstand this sword strike.

The area near the landing point was extremely noisy, with a large crowd gathered there, all of them miners. A circle of people also surrounded the landing point, holding whips and looking fierce and menacing.

Li Guangzong finally managed to knock on the door, and upon seeing the old mine owner who opened it, he was taken aback

I have just opened a cave as well. Su Mingcheng felt even more frustrated. After much effort, he had managed to create seven stone caves at the foot of the mountain, and had also opened a spiritual energy passage. He had his subordinates searching everywhere for places where malevolent energy gathered and for news of various venomous snakes and insects. He even had a large quantity of jade stones brought in to construct seven pools, yet he did not expect such an unexpected turn of events

These atlases are intricately painted using fine brushwork on yellow silk. They are not large, but quite long. Tianbao Prefecture is divided into more than 3,700 small sections, each containing a picture that depicts mountains, rivers, and scattered red marks. Some of these marks indicate the locations of indigenous tribes, some denote the gathering of monstrous beasts, and others signify the accumulation of miasma.

How can someone who can do such a thing still be considered a good person? I don't care what others plan; I am definitely going to leave

After counting, she put everything away. Xie Xiaoyu instructed the tea doctor to fetch paper and pen, and quickly wrote a promissory note stating that the interest would be 20% and that the settlement would occur in six months

Only the servants of the Liu family were seething with anger, and the new mine overseer was cracking his whip with a loud snap, pointing at the old overseer and shouting, "Old dog, what do you intend to do? Are you going to oppose the Liu family?"

Once on the ship, Xie Xiaoyu and Su Mingcheng remained as usual, each occupying a corner. One was constantly playing with a sword talisman, while the other was fully focused on nurturing the sword talisman. Su Mingcheng had already refined a life-bound sword talisman, but unlike Xie Xiaoyu, he had not converted his true energy into sword energy. Of course, Xie Xiaoyu could not tell him that this was a different method of practice; she merely stated that it was a transitional method she had conceived, so as to prevent him from wasting time.

Originally, it was thought that upon discovering the stolen goods, the thief would definitely not dare to investigate further; however, it turned out to be some sort of private transaction. Xie Xiaoyu felt somewhat disheartened

However, he was not entirely motivated by the desire to vent his frustrations

Even if they encounter a monster, they should send a signal. Didn't they send a signal last time?" The young master pointed outside and asked

Everyone's gaze was fixed on Xie Xiaoyu

This bag is also a treasure. There is no need to worry about military items having marks. If the other party is using military goods for such shady dealings, only a fool would print marks on them, as that would be equivalent to providing others with leverage against oneself

"Who taught me to be incompetent and without connections?" The old mine owner is also aware of his situation; he can only swallow his bitterness.

Everyone was looking at Xie Xiaoyu, all waiting for him to make a decision

Over there, Su Mingcheng is also stuffing metal ingots into his storage bag. Who would complain about having too much extra income

At this moment, Xie Xiaoyu also understood. He held onto another pocket and tossed it around, creating the appearance that the pocket was being dragged and shaken by a beast. In this way, the absence of a few metal ingots would raise no suspicions.

I am not at all familiar with mining. Su Mingcheng felt that his mind was a complete mess; such matters should not be asked of him

This set of things is all done in private, how can it be done openly? Isn't this against the rules? Li Guangzong felt very indignant on behalf of the old mine owner

He shattered the unicycle with a single palm strike, and then tore open the large bag.

In the future, the repayment will be made to him. If it cannot be repaid, burning the IOU would be a significant favor, thus this document is very important

With a sharp crack, a handprint suddenly appeared on Xin Kuangtou's face, distorting it completely. It was already considered courteous of Li Guangzong not to smash his head to pieces

Two days later, the flying ship landed

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of those around changed dramatically

The servant has already died, his body severed in two at the waist, lying next to the flying ship

Put away the IOU, Su Mingcheng spread out all the rolls of atlases in his hands

"Do you think I look like someone who is interested in mining?" asked Xie Xiaoyu

Indeed, as soon as these words were spoken, the new mine head, despite his face turning bright red and his forehead sweating with anger, did not dare to respond

"So unfortunate? Have I really encountered a demon beast?" The young master still wore a face full of doubt

"Where did all this money come from?" Li Guangzong asked. He hesitated for a moment, then finally suggested, "Should I go back to the city and ask Zhongyi Hall?"

Are you interested in Xinyue Hall? Su Mingcheng was somewhat surprised

The old miner suddenly perked up; those words were more effective than a century-old ginseng. He also believed that Xiao Li would not deceive him, as this was a person whose words carried weight.

Upon hearing "the hexagram of extreme ferocity and evil, a hundred deaths with no return," Li Guangzong and the old mine chief turned pale. After hearing the subsequent remarks, they were left with no thoughts whatsoever.

Then just agree to it. Xie Xiaoyu does not care about the status of the mine or the identity of the books; he equally does not care about two or three million taels of silver. When he first arrived in Tianbao Prefecture, he was penniless and did not care about money.

Old Qi's income surpasses that of a governor. Moreover, does someone like him care about money? Can the items given to him by the Wang residence be found elsewhere? The old servant casually pointed out several impossible aspects

After a long while, he finally thought of a reason and shouted loudly: "No! Our people have encountered an incident here, and an important item is missing. The criminal must be among these miners. I came here to investigate the case, so none of these people can leave."

Li Guangzong happened to come out and turned pale upon hearing this, but after a moment's thought, he nodded. He did not agree with such high interest rates, but he acknowledged that Xie Xiaoyu was right; Xinyetang was indeed a group of true scoundrels, yet there were advantages to being a scoundrel, at least they were straightforward.

He is more aware than others; they cannot avoid leaving, as this upheaval may very well be directed at them

He walked along the wheel tracks for more than 1 mile and finally saw a unicycle parked there, with two very large bags placed on it

Li Guangzong fell silent. Borrowing money is a significant matter; four million taels of silver is no small sum. He had never even dreamed of such a large amount before.

The young master is inept, but the old master is not foolish. For such important matters, one must certainly choose a composed person. Usually well-fed, the one with the surname Qi can at most take advantage of the situation; it is absolutely impossible for him to play such a big game.

Let someone search along the way first, shall we? The old servant could only say this. He did not dare to speak on behalf of the one with the surname Qi, nor did he want the young master to continue speaking recklessly, which would further offend everyone.

Xie Xiaoyu does not engage at all; he merely speaks. The storage pouch is the easiest to be marked with a hidden note. The one in his hand is an item belonging to a Black Thorn Society assassin. As a confiscated item, he can use it with justification, but the storage pouches of those few individuals are different.

No problem, but there is one thing to mention upfront: within the Xinyue Hall, the interest for borrowing money is only 1%, whereas it is different for outsiders, where the interest is 20%, settled every six months. Su Mingcheng appeared very businesslike.

In a narrow and elongated valley, there rests a slender and long flying ship resembling a cucumber

After disembarking from the ship, Xie Xiaoyu handed a bag to Li Guangzong and said, "You and the mine manager should go to the club and invite those important figures for a meal, and make some arrangements. This matter is primarily entrusted to the mine manager."

Several patches of dark red soil on the ground, along with some broken branches and fallen leaves, testify that a struggle once took place here. However, this conflict ended swiftly, as indicated by the long drag marks that reveal the fate of that group of people

"Let's go and see what these guys are up to." Xie Xiaoyu noticed a tire track on the ground

A single tote bag can hold many items; even if one tote bag is insufficient, simply bringing a few more will suffice. So why bother with a vehicle?

I will go ask the old mine chief. Li Guangzong had no other options left

These beads are dark and heavy, with a bumpy surface, resembling those cast from iron

The people around also responded in agreement

"Do you dare—" A roar echoed from a distance, and a figure flew towards this direction. Still a hundred zhang away, the person waved their hand, unleashing a beam of white light.

The profound transformation!" Xie Xiaoyu was greatly astonished

"Not like that." Su Mingcheng shook his head

Time passes gradually

The old servant simply came up with an idea, suggesting that the young master shift his focus elsewhere

However, he did not intend to persuade them. He was certain that both the uncle and the old mine boss would listen, but there would always be some resentment between the two. Rather than wasting words, it would be more convenient to use deception.

What happened? What is the matter?" Xie Xiaoyu was startled and put down the geomantic map in his hands

In the evening, someone finally returned to report.

This is a new technique derived from the "Like Lightning" style after defeating the assassin from the Black Thorn Society, named "Lightning Flash." Compared to the "Like Lightning" style, this technique is much weaker in power and not as fast, but it also consumes significantly less energy

Xie Xiaoyu prefers this way, where everyone engages purely in transactions and does not owe each other any favors. He also prioritizes self-interest over integrity, picking up the banknotes and counting them.

As the voice fell, a wave of cheers erupted all around.

That bag is filled entirely with money

You also know that I am now a cultivator, and my son and those few young men will eventually follow this path. For us, it is best if no one interferes and we can cultivate in peace. We want to establish our own mining area, but we have no interest in dealing with mundane affairs. It would be wonderful if you could assist us.

Xie Xiaoyu convinced Su Mingcheng with just a simple principle, making him feel that he had read too few books

The old mine chief had little impression of Xie Xiaoyu, but he also guessed that this was the case

He dismissed the Liu family's servants and approached the miners, clasping his fists and saying: "You have all worked at the mine for many years, and I appreciate your hard work. Initially, you all signed contracts, but those contracts were signed with me. The party on one side of the contract is me, and the other side is you. Now that I am no longer at this mine, from today onward, all previous contracts are void. If you wish to stay and continue working, you are free to do so; if you do not wish to continue, the ship has already arrived, and I wish you all a bright future."

Let us go, there is no need to waste words with this group of people. Xie Xiaoyu did not want to waste time. Traveling back and forth on the flying ship had already taken four days, and spending more time on other matters would be too unworthy.

He could not possibly know that his subordinates were facing sand spiders this time. More than a dozen sand spiders emerged directly from beneath their feet, and immediately sprayed a mass of webs, ensnaring them so they could not move. Aside from a few individuals who struggled briefly, Mr. Qi used a magical artifact to defend for a moment, while the others were all subdued in an instant, unable to send any signals at all

"It is impossible to take everything away; just take a few pieces." Su Mingcheng truly knows how to take advantage of the situation, being well-versed in the ways of the gang.

Although he has not been in Tianbao Prefecture for long, he has already discerned that behind the chaos of Tianbao Prefecture lies a set of rules, within which everyone operates. One of these rules is particularly strict and cannot be violated: no one is allowed to cause trouble in the mining area

He casually pulled three copper coins from his pocket and tossed them onto the table with a clatter. The three coins rolled a few times before coming to rest flat on the table

The old mine owner witnessed these three individuals diligently practicing, unwilling to waste even a moment, which made him increasingly at ease, no longer worried that they would destroy the bridge after crossing it. While he breathed a sigh of relief, he also felt a deep sense of envy, and his thoughts began to stir.

Let me put it this way: that young man, as you have seen, has a significant background with books, but he harbors some sorrow in his heart that he is unwilling to share with others. Li Guangzong first revealed this banner of Xie Xiaoyu.

So it turns out to be Old He, I thought you had left long ago The new mine head also came from Middle Earth, and after arriving here, he looks down on everyone, relying on his powerful backer, and disregards anyone

Li Guangzong said this purely out of pity for the old mine owner, and moreover, the old mine owner had treated him well in the past. He was not worried that Xie Xiaoyu would have any thoughts about it, as he had already discerned that Xie Xiaoyu was not interested in such matters at all. True cultivators only care about their cultivation.

"Anyway, you know where the nest is; just go there again after a while," Su Mingcheng said from the side

He placed a thick stack of silver notes on the table and said, "Count them, and after you finish, write a promissory note."

The cabin of this flying ship is not small, but due to its narrow and elongated shape, it gives a somewhat oppressive feeling. This young master is throwing a tantrum, and those around him all seem to be shrouded in dark clouds, with a sense of impending thunder.

This magical artifact is quite remarkable, Su Mingcheng said with great regret

He changed his move, and Li Guangzong followed suit, though it was not particularly profound; it was merely a transformation from straight to horizontal, changing thrusts into sweeps

He also knows that this demand is equally excessive. If someone with the surname Qi truly encounters a formidable demon beast, there would be no time to send a signal, and those sent out to search might also run into that demon beast

He had been studying the geomantic charts for an entire afternoon and already had a few options in mind. Initially, he intended to make further selections, but now that this incident had occurred, he no longer hesitated

Li Guangzong ran out

If we want to start our own mining operation, what should we do? Xie Xiaoyu does not intend to go to any mining area. To maximize the protection offered by that set of rules, one cannot merely be a miner; one must own their own mining area

How infuriating! That person was not far away and was also thrown into chaos by the explosion. Unable to reassemble the large hand he had conjured, he could only release a wall of light to shield himself from the residual shockwave, while he continuously retreated.

Inside are neatly arranged metal ingots: red-hot copper, purple copper, pearlescent copper, and blood-patterned copper, all of which are products from the mine

Li Guangzong no longer advised.

Where have those guys gone? Why haven't they arrived yet?" The young master leaned his head out to glance out the window.

Xie Xiaoyu had no expression on her face

It is already past noon. The maid dared not remain silent.

That is the Liu family from Anyang County. A few years ago, this mine was designated for them by the authorities, and every year, apart from refined copper, all other outputs from the mine are handed over to them. A few days ago, the Liu family sent someone to transport last year's stock, but unexpectedly, the person encountered an accident on the way. It is unclear whether it was a case of robbery or an encounter with a beast; in any case, the Liu family intends to investigate this matter. They also mentioned that to prevent such incidents from happening again, they... A few days ago, the Liu family sent someone to transport last year's stock, but unexpectedly, the person encountered an accident on the way. It is unclear whether it was a case of robbery or an encounter with a beast; in any case, the Liu family intends to investigate this matter. They also mentioned that to prevent such incidents from happening again, they... thus expelled me. The old mine head, as he spoke towards the end, was overwhelmed with sorrow and could not help but shed two lines of tears.

As he spoke, he pointed to one of the paintings.

This is undoubtedly the truth, and it is already quite polite. One of the sources of income for Xinyuetang is usury, with an interest rate of 30% settled monthly, calculated in a rolling manner.

If he had not been at the Loyal and Righteous Hall back then, but instead at the Xinle Hall, and if this helmsman had exchanged a damaged martial arts manual for the Seven Treasures Purple Mushroom in his hand, clearly stating—"I am trading copper coins for your gold ingots; whether you agree or not, you must exchange it." Although he would have been extremely angry at that time, over time, and having indeed benefited from that martial arts manual, he would surely have come to terms with it gradually. It would not be like now, after twenty years of unending gratitude, suddenly learning the truth, feeling as if he had swallowed a dead rat, with anger simmering in his heart, burning inside, and feeling utterly disgusted. Although he would have been extremely angry at that time, over time, and having indeed benefited from that martial arts manual, he would surely have come to terms with it gradually. It would not be like now, after twenty years of unending gratitude, suddenly learning the truth, feeling as if he had swallowed a dead rat, with anger simmering in his heart, burning inside, and feeling utterly disgusted.

"You have taken Uncle He’s position, now bow to him." Li Guangzong had no intention of letting this guy off the hook; since he had offended the other party, he might as well offend him thoroughly. Tianbao Prefecture is a chaotic place, the words of the government hold no weight, let alone those of the Liu family from Anyang County.

That person is the new mine head, the old mine head said softly to Xie Xiaoyu and the others

He is very fond of this weapon, but it is not very easy for him to use. The Qimen weapons must be paired with special techniques; he can only swing it around wildly.

The old miner is very confident

Li Guangzong and the old mine head's expressions suddenly changed. Compared to their own lives, no large mine or new mine holds any value

I inquired about it, and I even checked the production of that mine over the years, and I also asked acquaintances about it; it is definitely a large mine. I was initially concerned that the person might have owed someone money and pledged the mine as collateral. However, these details can be clearly stated in the documentation, as official documents issued by the government are more effective than any debt notes. The old mine owner believes he has accounted for all possibilities and that nothing significant will occur. However, these details can be clearly stated in the documentation, as official documents issued by the government are more effective than any debt notes. The old mine owner believes he has accounted for all possibilities and that nothing significant will occur.

The old mine head first saw Xie Xiaoyu, and his face immediately lit up with joy, then he shouted across the street.

The old miner did not know how he was persuaded; in any case, throughout the journey back, he felt dazed and his mind was completely blank

"Isn't it much better this way?" Li Guangzong said with a cold smile, casually delivering a slap.

The time is quite early this time, not yet noon

Su Mingcheng was equally ignorant about fortune-telling; he could not understand it. However, he knew a bit more than the other two, so he grasped the meaning of the latter half of the sentence.

Are you truly willing to help me? The old miner became spirited.

Li Guangzong initially accompanied the old miner, but later, seeing the diligent efforts of the other two, he could no longer sit still. He simply ran to the cargo hold and began to exercise his strength by lifting the iron box containing the engraved items.

Xie Xiaoyu walked over, untied the bag's opening, and took a glance inside

Xie Xiaoyu exited her stone chamber and called out at the entrance of the adjacent stone chamber. Su Mingcheng immediately came out.

"Young man, what have you noticed?" Li Guangzong became anxious. He had some doubts initially, feeling that such good fortune was unlikely. However, he then thought that ever since he arrived in Tianbao Prefecture, he had encountered Xie Xiaoyu right after disembarking, and then good things kept happening; he himself had become a cultivator, which indicated that his luck had been exceptionally strong during this period, so he did not pay much attention to it.

How could this happen? I have been in Tianbao Prefecture for over twenty years and have never heard of such a strange occurrence as leaving the mining site.

How do you know where the spiritual veins are? It’s not possible to walk through the entire Tianbao Prefecture, is it? Su Mingcheng knew that Xie Xiaoyu was skilled in the art of divination, so he was not worried about finding the spiritual veins. However, no matter how proficient the divination technique is, it still requires on-site exploration; it is impossible to locate the spiritual veins just from a map.

The mines of Tianbao Prefecture are jointly owned by the government and various major sects. When the rules were initially established, it was considered that there might be individuals engaging in favoritism and seeking personal gain, or that everyone might mutually restrain one another. No matter how powerful the forces behind those individuals are, it is unlikely that they could manage to placate all the sects

He himself does not know how he truly feels. Throughout his life, he has been a miner in name only. As he approaches old age, he could finally become a real miner, which should have made him happy. However, the chosen location is the Valley of Lost Souls, which makes it impossible for him to feel any joy.

With a single step forward, he seized the new mine head in his grasp, the pitch-black knife wheel pressed against the person's neck. Li Guangzong coldly said: "Did you just say you were going to kill me?"

Su Mingcheng had long anticipated this. From the moment he overheard these individuals discussing their plans to open a mine, he had already prepared to lend them money. Initially, he considered doing them a significant favor by not requiring repayment, but he quickly recalled what the hall master had said and promptly dismissed that thought.

Su Mingcheng was not surprised; mining was never something that cultivators should invest their efforts in. Using the pretext of opening a mining area to find a good place for cultivation instead aligns with the practices of cultivators

Li Guangzong killed a person, and the murderous nature that had been suppressed for many years resurfaced.

"Wasn't it said that we would stay here for a maximum of six months? Now that everyone is familiar with everything on the mine, is there still a need to stay?" asked Xie Xiaoyu of Li Guangzong. Although he did not make a decision, everyone understood his meaning

From its slender shape, it is evident that this ship is much faster than those vessels flying around Tianbao Island. At both the front and rear ends of the ship, there are enormous paddle wheels shaped like windmills.

Xie Xiaoyu never considered returning to Linhai City, as the city is crowded and full of complexities, with various factions intertwined. If not handled properly, there would be trouble every day.

It is quite simple; where the malevolent energy is strong, there is likely to be a spiritual vein. The universe generates all things, emphasizing the balance of yin and yang. Where there are highly toxic substances, there must be antidotes nearby; in bitterly cold places, there will surely be medicinal materials that are extremely hot and dry

"He Shu, what exactly is going on? Why were you removed? This is against the rules!" Li Guangzong knew that any attempt at consolation would be futile, so he simply asked directly, wanting to clarify the situation first.

After all, the dealings of the Liu family are merely private tricks that cannot be brought to the forefront

"Kill him, and let’s see who dares to resist!" The new mine head simply tore off the mask. After all, Tianbao Prefecture is in chaos, lives are cheap, and the government will not care if a few people are killed.

His actions indicate that he is seeking to avenge He Shu, which is justifiable both morally and according to the internal regulations of the mining association

"What a fool. Does the Liu family only produce such characters?" Xie Xiaoyu was exceptionally familiar with this kind of face; those who had become prey in the spider's mouth also displayed this same demeanor

On the cliff, Li Guangzong and the others were also discussing this matter. They were not deaf, so they naturally heard the rumors

He has dozens of ingots in his hands, each weighing around a hundred pounds. Red fire copper is nominally copper, yet its price rivals that of gold. This bag of red fire money was secretly forged by him using the molds from the mine.

Indeed, large mines and new mines attract everyone's attention, but the situation is different for small and old mines. This old mining area has little ore left and holds little value, making it suitable for certain exchanges. Su Mingcheng is well aware of the intricacies involved.

Li Guangzong glanced at Su Mingcheng

When are you coming over? Li Guangzong was uncertain. In case of a major event, without Xie Xiaoyu, he would be unable to make a decision

The old mine manager is leaving, and it is said that a new mine manager will be coming in

It seems that you are in quite a bit of trouble. Su Mingcheng is a local here, and as soon as he saw the bag, he understood what was going on

He did not even dare to pick up the weapons on the ground; the only thing that made him hesitate was that fan

The old mine chief still resides in the only building within the mining area, but he no longer possesses the leisure of his past, spending all day hiding in his room

I dismissed them simply to discuss with you where to establish the mining area. When Xie Xiaoyu was at the mine and on the flying ship, she was unable to address these matters

I will go call them over. Li Guangzong disembarked from the flying ship and pushed through the surrounding crowd

Upon considering that it might require two to three million taels of silver, Li Guangzong felt hesitant to make a decision. He stood up and said, "I will return shortly to inquire; please wait for my news."

The servant quickly changed his tactics, as he had not anticipated that the opponent was actually a cultivator. The cultivator could emit true energy, and the blade aura on the spinning blade was overwhelming, making it impossible for him to approach.

Is He Shushu reliable? He won't run away with the money, will he?" Xie Xiaoyu, being unfamiliar with the old mine owner, naturally felt some apprehension

What should we do next? Return to Linhai City? Or go somewhere else? Erzi felt somewhat perplexed

I know that the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall has always had people coming to seek your favor, but I have no good feelings towards them. That group is too focused on appearances; who knows what their true faces are once the masks are removed? In contrast, I prefer the Xinyue Hall, because I clearly understand that they are a group of true villains. Xie Xiaoyu had previously hinted at a similar sentiment, but she did not express it as clearly.

The old servant had no choice but to issue such orders; those who resided in Tianbao Prefecture had to obey. They were most aware of the dangers involved, and one by one, they reluctantly moved forward in search, their pace hardly faster than that of a snail

You? The old mine chief initially dismissed it, but upon reflection, he realized that the current Xiao Li was no longer the miner of years past; he had a master behind him, and perhaps there was indeed a solution.

The term "lightning fast" not only signifies speed but also describes the peculiar and intricate angles at which this sword strikes, twisting and turning like genuine lightning, entirely devoid of any pattern

However, he is more afraid that the young master will cause other troubles. This young master may lack other skills, but he is definitely top-notch when it comes to getting into trouble

The people on the ship can be divided into two categories. One category consists of those who have long resided in Tianbao Island, well aware of the dangers here and familiar with Mr. Qi's character. They are all certain that Mr. Qi would not engage in such audacious and rebellious actions. With the person still absent, it is highly likely that the situation is dire. Therefore, the words of the young master leave them feeling disheartened. The other category comprises those who have come along with the young master. Although they do not know what has transpired, they understand that it is not the right time to speak in such a manner.

Isn't this... the Valley of Lost Souls? I know there are mines there, and they are rich mines, but when I was young, no one dared to go there anymore. That place is extremely perilous, filled with poisonous insects and demonic beasts, and the miasma is heavy, with a danger level of three. The old mine foreman believes that such a place truly deserves to be called extremely vicious and deadly, with no chance of return.

"Spare me, good sir... good sir... spare me..." The new miner felt a chilling sensation at his neck, and the earlier bravado had long since dissipated. He had never considered himself a person of Tianbao Prefecture, thus he viewed the people here as worthless lives. It was only at this moment that he realized he too was now a resident of Tianbao Prefecture, and his life was equally valueless; if he were to be killed, no one would care.

That person let out a loud shout, followed by gritting his teeth and exclaiming: "Damn it"

That large hand moved with remarkable agility, resembling a real hand, not only blocking in front but also reaching towards the sword talisman.

Understanding the distribution of malevolent energy is indeed quite simple. All the guilds operating in Tianbao Prefecture possess a set of geomantic charts, which were left behind by various major sects during their surveys of the area in earlier years. These charts have been supplemented and revised every ten years without interruption.

The greatest value of Tianbao Prefecture lies in its abundant mineral resources; minerals are fundamental, they are the objects of everyone's attention, and they are the forbidden scales that must not be recklessly touched. Therefore, if one wishes to find peace in this land, the best approach is to hide within a mining area

This time, Li Guangzong held the knife wheel with a grip that was much faster than before, the blade emitted a knife aura that was over five feet long, and it seemed poised to cleave the servant in half.

Sixteen thick hemp ropes hung down from the flying ship, tightly secured to the protruding rocks surrounding the valley

How about this, young master? You could make a trip to the governor's office and the mining bureau, and simply replace that mine head with one of our people. This way, you can conduct your investigations as you wish, and there will be no need to sneak around to transport goods in the future

Did you not guess it yourself? The forces behind these people are formidable; they probably even have flying ships. As for the restriction in the mining area... it can simply be turned off.

Good news, good news! We encountered another mine owner at the club. He has urgent matters and does not intend to stay in Tianbao Prefecture; he wants to transfer the mine. His mine was opened five years ago and is still a new mine. Initially, he quoted three million, but after much negotiation, Uncle He managed to bring it down to two million. We have been looking for you everywhere, just waiting for you to come over; the guarantor and witnesses are already waiting. " Li Guangzong said, his throat dry, as he picked up a teacup from the table and poured himself a cup of water, drinking it all in one go. His mine was opened five years ago and is still a new mine. Initially, he quoted three million, but after much negotiation, Uncle He managed to bring it down to two million. We have been looking for you everywhere, just waiting for you to come over; the guarantor and witnesses are already waiting. " Li Guangzong said, his throat dry, as he picked up a teacup from the table and poured himself a cup of water, drinking it all in one go.

"It is a pity about their storage bags; they must contain valuable items," sighed Xie Xiaoyu as she picked up the weapons that had fallen to the ground

There are even more despicable ones. Xie Xiaoyu flicked her hand, and a dozen beads the size of phoenix tree seeds flew out.

The old miner's eyes are swollen, the corners of his mouth are crooked, his pupils are murky, the whites of his eyes are filled with blood vessels, his cheeks are distorted, and his face is full of unspeakable sorrow and anger

Xie Xiaoyu dried the note and handed it to Su Mingcheng. Su Mingcheng carefully folded it and tucked it into his pocket

Xie Xiaoyu observed carefully, and he was most interested in the areas densely populated with red characters

The sky outside is clear, and there is no sign of the alarming purple smoke.

The person still opened his large blue hand, as if scooping fish from the water, and caught a dozen beads in his grasp. However, in the next moment, those beads simultaneously exploded, instantly shattering that seemingly illusory giant hand.

"Have you asked whether a large number of people have recently died in that mine?" Xie Xiaoyu put the copper coin back.

Upon seeing the force of this person's attack, Xie Xiaoyu realized that Li Guangzong could not withstand it. Therefore, she quickly drew a sword talisman, which transformed into a beam of white light and shot towards the person's face. This is known as surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao.

"How did you manage to raise such a large sum of money back then?" Li Guangzong felt puzzled

I would like to ask you what your Liu family intends to do? Are you planning to oppose the government, the mining association, and various factions? Tianbao Prefecture is not a lawless place; do you dare to accompany me to the association and confront me in front of everyone?

Returning to the cliff, Li Guangzong awaited Xie Xiaoyu's decision.

Li Guangzong's hand flicked, and a knife wheel appeared in his previously empty hand

Seeing Li Guangzong and the old mine head startled, Xie Xiaoyu said slowly: "There is no need to believe what others say. I have already found a place, not far from Linhai City, and it will only take five days by flying ship."

"Last time, Mr. Qi mentioned that they encountered a Shadow Wolf on the way; will they face some other beast this time?" an old servant with a white face and no beard reminded from the side

"None of you can leave. When you came to the mine, you signed a contract, and not a single one of you can go. Those who have already left will also be brought back, just wait and see." A man in his twenties, with a face full of flesh, a robust build, dressed in a silk long gown, and holding a whip in his hand, shouted loudly.

The old mine manager is a very good person and treats us well. I wonder how the new mine manager is.

It is impossible. The old mine owner is quite righteous, and he has no children or daughters; his wife passed away a few years ago. Is he going to take the money with him to the grave? Moreover, we spend money but give the position of the mine owner to him. Where can we find such a good deal? Li Guangzong is not foolish. He values personal relationships, but in the end, what matters is still the benefits.

He still has doubts because no one has seen the body; only a few pools of blood were observed, and the number of bullets brought back is clearly fewer.

I will go to the Xinyuetang to borrow some money; it won't take much time said Xie Xiaoyu

Upon seeing this arrangement, Li Guangzong and the old mine chief no longer displayed their previous joy. Although they did not understand the significance of the three copper coins, they could surmise that this was a divination to inquire about fortune and misfortune

Will Qi Lianyun play dead and run away with part of the ingots? The young master asked the old servant beside him, completely oblivious to the grim expression of the person who had returned to report.

Those who dare to come to Tianbao Prefecture are all not of good character

It was not until he disembarked that the old miner finally awoke from his dazed state. He did not wake up on his own; rather, he was roused by the noise around him

I would like to take this opportunity to find a suitable place for cultivation, preferably with a high-quality spiritual vein, abundant medicinal herbs nearby, and some magical beasts that I can use for sword practice. This statement certainly cannot be made in front of the old mine owner, otherwise it would lead to complications.

Xie Xiaoyu would certainly not allow the other party to take away his sword talisman. He formed a sword gesture, and the sword talisman suddenly trembled, transforming into a flash of lightning, darting back and forth in mid-air as it charged towards that person.

Inside the flying ship, a young gentleman, around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in a robe adorned with silver patterns and wearing a golden crown with his hair tied back, was pacing back and forth in a fit of rage.

He also knows that this is a bad idea. Trading with rapidly depleting mines is a private trick everyone is aware of; on the surface, they all need to avoid suspicion. Directly replacing the mine head with someone from their own side would certainly attract criticism, and it is inevitable that some would say the Liu family is behaving poorly. Moreover, replacing the mine head without sufficient reason is considered a taboo. If it weren't for the fact that the current mine head is elderly and his backing has already diminished, and that this mine is on the verge of being abandoned, he would absolutely not dare to propose this suggestion

That being said, who would be willing to come to such a rundown mine? How many more years can it be mined here?

He has just arrived, and the wooden boards in the room he is staying in have not yet dried before he has to leave again

"He Shu, you must have some connections up there, right? If we assist you, do you have any ideas? Are you planning to open a new mining area elsewhere?" Li Guangzong finally made his point clear.

"This is not right; it feels completely off. Either someone is pulling strings behind the scenes, or Qi Lianyun has some ulterior motive and has run off with something." The young master had already begun to feel suspicious; he had just refrained from expressing it earlier, but now he could no longer hold back and spoke out directly

I still have some official business to conclude. The old mine owner originally did not want to offend the Liu family of Anyang, but now that he has been pushed to the limit, he does not intend to endure it any longer. He is a solitary man, without children or family, and has no attachments.

Alright, I will do as you say. The young master indeed agreed.

The blade wheel, accompanied by a gust of fierce wind, howled as it collided with the soft sword

This person, relying on the Liu family's backing, even believes that he could kill all the remaining over 1,000 people in the mine, and with the Liu family's influence, he could suppress the matter.

Su Mingcheng was unsuspecting, but now he has been driven to madness by the relentless attacks from Xie Xiaoyu and his own sect leader. He had considered enriching himself, so while in Linghai City, he purchased texts such as the "Tao Te Ching," "I Ching," and "Prajnaparamita Sutra" from both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Unfortunately, he could only read for one night before losing interest. The next morning, he threw these scriptures to Chang Shu to use as kindling. Since then, he has followed Xie Xiaoyu's training instructions without fail, even more obedient than a disciple.

"What is this little thing? Women are just short-sighted," Li Guangzong scolded with a glare.

He seemed to have completely forgotten the words he had said to Li Guangzong, as he continued to watch from noon until evening, showing no intention of hurrying to meet up.

This is not an ordinary pocket, but a large storage bag used by the military, capable of holding the contents of an entire warehouse. Therefore, once it is torn, the metal ingots inside immediately spill out with a clatter, quickly forming a small mountain.

What time is it now?" The young master shouted towards a maid standing at a distance.

In the mining area, the sound of pickaxes striking is no longer heard; instead, all that fills the ears is the noise of shouting and clamor

I do not have this connection. The organization is not interested in miners; what we need are people who can be summoned immediately at a command. Miners spend all day in the mines and are of no use to us. " Su Mingcheng shrugged his shoulders

I am working for someone else. Most of the mine heads are like me; in name, they are mine heads, but in reality, they are merely overseers. The Liu family had a word with my former employer, and upon receiving a nod from him, I was kicked out. At this point, the old mine head's face was once again filled with sorrow and indignation. After toiling hard for a lifetime, only to be unceremoniously dismissed, anyone would feel aggrieved.

Xie Xiaoyu shook her head helplessly. Li Guangzong's temperament is unlikely to change; even if he achieves success in his cultivation in the future, he will not resemble a true cultivator.

Xie Xiaoyu will definitely not go to the headquarters of Xinyue Hall. He found a teahouse nearby and sat down. In just a little while, Su Mingcheng came over with a large pile of things.

As the sun was about to set, the figures of Li Guangzong and the old mine owner appeared on the street. One stood at one end of the road, while the other stood at the opposite end, peering into a shop as they passed by, their faces filled with anxiety.

There are two types of silver notes: one is for 200,000, with a total of fifteen pieces; the other is a thick stack of 10,000 notes. All the silver notes bear the stamp of Datong.

He had already prepared his idea, and what Li Guangzong mentioned had nothing to do with what he needed. What he wanted was not a mine, let alone a large mine, but a place for cultivation

Two individuals are confronting each other here, while the outcome has already been determined on the other side

Four hundred thousand taels of silver cannot be casually carried on one's person, so that afternoon, they took the flying ship to Linghai City again. This time, there were four people, including the old mine head. The ship was very crowded, and upon learning that a new mine head had arrived, many people were unwilling to continue working.

That person shouted loudly, formed hand seals with both hands, and a semi-transparent giant hand emerged from the air a distance of one zhang ahead. This hand was one zhang long, with a palm as large as a tabletop, entirely shimmering blue, covered with deep blue spots of various sizes, appearing both real and illusory

On the street, Li Guangzong stopped two motorcycles and sat down with a bag in his hands. Although he had become a cultivator, he still appeared somewhat rustic, with a storage bag hanging from his waist. However, he was unwilling to place any important items inside, feeling that it was not secure.

The people who managed to survive in Tianbao Prefecture at most possess a decent character, but there are absolutely no true good individuals. In those years, Li Guangzong also ventured into the dense forest, risking his life for opportunities. At that time, he was not yet married, had no burdens, and was not afraid to take risks. He had even killed in the forest; his acquisition of the Seven Treasures Purple Mushroom was not solely due to luck. It was only after he got married and had children that he gradually became more settled and law-abiding

Li Guangzong could not understand, Su Mingcheng did not care at all, but the old mine chief examined it closely; after reading it, his originally pale face turned even paler.

Starting a mine requires a substantial amount of money. Not to mention the funds needed for connections, just the cost of the boundary markers alone amounts to one million, which must be paid to the government and the mining association, not to mention the need to hire personnel. While some workers may not be necessary, a copper and iron shop is essential; without an iron shop, if the mining pick breaks, there will be no one to repair it; without a copper shop, bearings, winches, and other equipment cannot be manufactured. The two shops require seven to eight craftsmen, including two master craftsmen, and it is essential to have an accountant. If there are associated minerals, a specialized smelter must also be hired, which can be quite costly. In addition to personnel, equipment must also be procured. I do have connections to acquire used equipment from others, which can save a significant amount, but the expenses are still considerable; without two to three million, it is simply not feasible to even consider. The old mine owner grew increasingly despondent as he spoke.

What kind of person has what kind of subordinates, and beside him, a servant suddenly threw away the whip in his hand and drew a soft sword

This time, the old miner did not deliberately lower his voice; everyone in the surrounding circle heard him clearly, and each one turned around to glare at him with anger

"Is someone dead? Did something go missing? What a joke, in Tianbao Prefecture dozens of people die every day, and as for lost items, it's even more common. Yet, I haven't seen anyone seeking a place to reason it out. Here, human life is inherently cheap; if you bring this up, we can certainly go to the mining association to discuss it. I am very curious, which rule was followed to remove my position for this reason?" The old mine chief grew increasingly agitated as he spoke.

As the bag was about to be emptied, he gathered the opening of the bag; the remaining contents were sufficient for his expenses