Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Mining Invitation
Mo Family Workshop.
A cultivator holding a ruler sighed softly: "Yang Ke Dao You, we indeed did not monitor that Earthquake Worm, nor did we expect it would suddenly die.
If it weren’t for you coming to remind us, I’m afraid some mishaps would have occurred."
Saying this, he bowed deeply: "Thank you, Dao You."
The White Rat sat upright on a chair nearby, waved his hand: "It was actually discovered by a junior brother of our sect, so the credit does not belong to me.
With the death of the Earthquake Worm, the damage it accumulated from the earth should be released.
The minerals that were once easily obtainable by us will now transform into vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts, some even possessing Golden Core strength.
What do you think?"
This matter, after all, concerns the Mo Family Workshop which is placed in the Four Seasons Sect’s marketplace for public access. The two parties are in a collaborative relationship, so it cannot be decided unilaterally by them.
The Mo Family cultivator replied: "After you came, I consulted with the elders in our sect and decided to make this matter public—though the vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts are dangerous, they also present an opportunity.
Cultivators struggle against heaven and fate; it can never be smooth sailing all the time.
Those willing to venture into the Spirit Vein to slay the monsters will naturally gain a batch of resources, but of course, they may also perish.
We will lay everything out in the open and let the cultivators make their own decisions.
What do you think?"
Under the cultivator’s gaze, the White Rat nonchalantly shook its head: "The path of cultivation is about struggling against fate, as it should be.
This must be your first collaboration with our Four Seasons Sect, right? Although we will also protect and support, all choices come with their own costs.
Be it good or bad.
Only..."
It extended a paw and pointed lightly at the jade light screen before it, revealing a mark on one of the doors: "But this door has already been occupied by our sect’s cultivators, I kindly ask for the mechanism Mo Talisman."
"..."
Did you not just say choices come with costs?
Now you want the Mo Talisman, which has thoroughly surveyed the entire Spirit Vein and formed an absolutely detailed map. Exploring according to this map would be like picking up treasures, wouldn’t it?
The Mo Family cultivator couldn’t help but grumble in his heart, but still smiled: "Were it not for your sect’s disciple reminding us, had we waited for the Earthquake Worm to fall, the cultivators going in to mine would certainly face some troubles.
The Jade Talisman should be handed to you, Dao You."
He took out a square Jade Talisman and handed it to the White Rat: "I’ll trouble you to disseminate this information widely."
"No problem." The White Rat took the Jade Talisman, "I will take my leave now."
"Take care, Dao You."
The cultivator watched it leave.
...
After leaving the Mo Family Mechanical Workshop, the White Rat leapt and directly entered the underground array, quickly reaching the Four Seasons Sect’s shop.
It found the Spiritual Mechanism Vine and explained everything clearly.
The latter listened calmly: "I know the Earthquake Worm too.
This Spirit Beast is very special, once one dies, the rest will follow, suggesting that some changes have occurred in the earth.
Without their suppression, chaos will surely ensue in the mines, but this is also an opportunity for cultivators.
I will issue a notice to let the cultivators know the situation and benefits of the mines, allowing them to decide for themselves.
However, according to the Mo Family, these Earthquake Worms should not have reached the end of their lifespan.
Perhaps some changes have indeed occurred beneath the earth; since this Spirit Vein is near Huiya’s marketplace, it’s our territory.
Take your kin to investigate, if there are truly difficult matters that arise, ask for help from your sect’s elders."
"Yes." The White Rat solemnly clasped its fists, then disappeared underground again.
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine remained, gazing blankly at the nearby Sun Dial.
After a good while, it summoned Qian Fang and Su Ya, relaying the entire matter to them, and then instructed them to meet Li Ye.
...
On the other side.
Li Ye has confirmed that the liquid exuding from the claw of the strange creature is a special type of "Blood Copper Ore".
It reminded him of the Limestone Ghost he had seen before.
He speculated, fearing that the minerals inside have all transformed into such ghosts, and that these ghosts are...
"Born because your mother passed away?"
He focused his gaze on the Earthquake Worm writhing on the ground beside him, surrounded by the Spirit Vein Willow to ensure it wouldn’t escape.
It looked like a section of earthy yellow radish, round and plump, without any of the unpleasantness of a worm, with a smooth, jade-like surface.
As Li Ye pondered, Zhao He’s voice came from outside the courtyard: "Immortal Li, two other immortals have come to visit, Immortal Su and Immortal Qian!"
"Well, that’s perfect." Li Ye instructed the Spirit Vein Willow and the beavers watching nearby, then stepped into the front courtyard and opened the door.
He saw the Senior Brothers Su Ya and Qian Fang.
"Senior Brothers." He smiled and cupped his hands: "Please sit down and speak slowly."
Seeing the three of them seated, Zhao He cleverly fetched tea and some pastries, then left after setting them on the table.
"You must have heard about the changes in the Spirit Vein, right?"
Su Ya took a sip of tea and began: "The Earthquake Worm, this Spirit Beast, is said to be able to regulate the Spirit Vein and Earth Vein.
According to Heavenly Perception Temple in Central State, the Spirit Vein is the bone and blood of the earth, born from the interconnection of spiritual power.
Over-extraction of the earth’s bone and blood will damage the earth’s spiritual power. Miner Ghosts and other malevolent beings will emerge in these Spirit Veins to attack the living beings attempting to mine the minerals.
The Earthquake Worm can slowly restore the damaged Spirit Vein, a special Spirit Beast.
Take the Spirit Vein you occupy for example, there are over thirty Earthquake Worms placed in it by us and the Mo Family together.
After mining a portion of the Spirit Vein for a while, it must be sealed completely, and spiritual power injected into it.
This way, the Earthquake Worms can slowly repair and replenish the Spirit Vein, achieving a sustainable cycle."
He paused, and Qian Fang continued: "But now, the Earthquake Worms inside have inexplicably died.
The mineral spirits it accumulated may give birth to countless Miner Ghosts.
Without its calming presence, we have to slay all the Miner Ghosts, then seal the Spirit Vein and use the Super Resolution Method to calm it, only then can the Spirit Vein return to normal."
After the two explained, Li Ye was enlightened.
It was similar to what he had guessed. It turns out the Earthquake Worm could indeed repair the Spirit Vein.
If he could take good care of it, wouldn’t he have a continuous supply of Spirit Ore?
Originally, he didn’t intend to reveal this matter, but now it seems he should bring it up to learn more about the Earthquake Worm.
"So, the two Senior Brothers didn’t just come to clear up doubts, did you?" Li Ye inquired with curiosity.
"Indeed." Qian Fang smiled slightly: "Miner Ghosts are dangerous, but they can also drop some rare minerals.
Having left the sect, everything must be obtained by myself."
"So, we are quite eager for the minerals inside."
"If you need, we can help mine the cave, and the minerals obtained will be paid to you with Spirit Stones..."
Before he could finish, Li Ye waved his hand, righteously saying: "This mine was originally occupied thanks to the sect’s grace. If the Senior Brothers are willing to help, I would be more than happy.
Just share some of the mined minerals with me, speaking of Spirit Stones really damages the camaraderie!"
Just now, Li Ye was considering whether to seek assistance.
While confident he could explore with the Love Life and Death Beans and Beaver’s help, it would still be a solo endeavor.
The sheer size of the Spirit Vein and unknown potential dangers warranted caution.
The output from the Spirit Vein might be worth some Spirit Stones, but compared to fostering good relationships, he preferred the latter—having gained so much already, his perspective couldn’t be so narrow.
Besides, having said this out loud.
Would Senior Brother Qian really let him suffer any loss?