Chapter 51: The Daily Life of a Miner

The golden crow patrols the heavens, and the blazing sun shines bright.

Today is the first day of the New Year holidays, and also the liveliest day of the year in the spirit stone mine. On a typical lunar cycle, most miners do not rest during the two-day break unless an emergency occurs.

As a result, the canyon is exceptionally bustling today, with many miners visible throughout the area.

Cheng Buzheng strolled along the small path in front of the wooden houses, wandering through the canyon. From time to time, he would see groups of two or three cultivators chatting with one another.

At that moment, a young cultivator walking along the roadside said excitedly to a middle-aged burly man beside him.

"Brother Li... hurry up, Old Second Sang is starting again over there!"

"Really? Then we'd better go take a look. You had pretty good luck last time, kid!"

"For sure! I have a feeling I'll have a big harvest this time too!"

Hearing this, the expressions of many miners along the road changed. They gritted their teeth and turned to follow the direction of the young cultivator who had just passed.

"Let's go... let's go see too!" the passing miners said to their companions one after another.

"Yeah!"

Suddenly, most of the miners headed east, with some individual miners heading off alone from time to time.

Seeing this, Cheng Buzheng couldn't help but sigh. He had been at the spirit stone mine for two years and had never seen such a lively scene.

Without hesitation, he also wanted to go see what exactly could draw so many miners with such longing.

Before long, Cheng Buzheng followed the crowd to the southeast corner of the canyon.

He saw a large crowd of miners surrounding a fat man wearing the grey robes of a sect.

The fat man had a rounded physique and a fleshy face; though his eyes were small, they were bright and spirited. He held a large belly out and patted it from time to time.

After scanning the crowd, the fat man's smile grew even more enthusiastic upon seeing so many miners in attendance.

Cheng Buzheng observed him; that excessively enthusiastic smile was like that of a fox.

He had a feeling that this fellow junior brother was harboring some unknown ulterior motive.

The fat brother cleared his throat and said, "We have new friends and old friends alike. Allow me to introduce myself once more.

I am Sang Lin, an inner disciple of the Baiyun Sect. Uncle Sang of the Baiyun Sect is indeed my uncle—I believe no one here would doubt that, as no one would dare impersonate the relative of a Foundation Establishment senior, especially since this is the Baiyun Sect's spirit stone mine.

Old friends already know this; you can ask those around you to verify it.

Next..."

At this point, a middle-aged burly man shouted.

"Old Second Sang, we know! Stop with the clichés, you say them every single time!"

"Yeah! Just get on with it!"

"Alright, everyone's getting impatient."

"If you don't start, we're leaving!"

......

The many onlookers began to murmur and discuss.

Seeing the crowd's noisy chatter, Fat Sang had no intention of stopping his introduction. After introducing himself, more newcomers would fall into the trap.

He knew that those complaining old customers were only talking; no one would actually leave.

Although his speech had been interrupted, he was a qualified merchant and would not take his anger out on his customers—that would be throwing spirit stones away, wouldn't it? That would be foolish behavior.

Fat Sang patted his round belly and said, "Everyone, please be quiet. I have just a few more words to say, and then we shall begin!"

After organizing himself and streamlining his words, he continued, "As everyone knows, my uncle is famous for being just and strict; he would never allow me to swindle people out of his name.

The game is fair and just. I guarantee it with my uncle's reputation!

Alright... everyone is impatient, isn't it?"

Fat Sang scanned the crowd and said with a beaming smile, "Following the old rules, everyone shall elect three cultivators to inspect the game equipment to demonstrate the fairness of the game!"

Having said that, Fat Sang fell silent and watched the miners with a smile.

The miners began to discuss amongst themselves.

"I think Old Wang is usually quite fair in his dealings. How about him?"

"Hmm... I think that works!"

"Count him in then!"

"No... he was there last time. Let's pick someone else! How about Old Song?"

"That makes sense too!"

......

Seeing the miners continuously nominating suitable candidates, Cheng Buzheng fell into deep thought.

"This looks exactly like the start of a gambling game! This Fat Sang first displays his backing, then emphasizes the fairness of his patron, and then even has everyone elect people to inspect the equipment.

Everything is designed to show the fairness of the game.

...It seems the life of a miner is quite colorful."

Seeing this, he also wanted to witness the daily life of the miners.

Before long, after the selection process by the miners, three cultivators to inspect the equipment were produced.

Two middle-aged cultivators and one elderly-looking cultivator approached Fat Sang.

Without delay, Fat Sang patted his storage bag and took out a circular disc about three feet in diameter, handing it to the three miners for inspection. There was no trace of worry on his face.

As Cheng Buzheng watched Fat Sang take out the disc, he noted that it was somewhat similar to a prize wheel from his previous life.

The disc featured eight patterns: Azure Dragon, Flood Dragon, White Tiger, True Spirit Tiger, Phoenix, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and Mysterious Turtle. In the center was a slender pointer.

Among the eight patterns, the Flood Dragon, True Spirit Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Mysterious Turtle occupied the largest areas, accounting for approximately ninety percent of the entire disc. Within each of these areas, the words "Four Times" were engraved.

The remaining four patterns—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Phoenix, and Black Tortoise—combined accounted for less than ten percent of the disc's area. Within each of these areas, the words "Twenty Times" were engraved.

Suddenly, upon closer inspection, Cheng Buzheng realized that these patterns of dragons and tigers were not simple drawings, but were composed of countless spirit runes.

Though he did not know much, he could recognize simple spirit runes. Each pattern had two functions: acceleration and deceleration.

Furthermore, many gem-like beads were arranged in a circle around the perimeter of the disc.

After observing closely, Cheng Buzheng had a general idea of how to play.

Before long, the three miners finished their inspection. Finding nothing unusual, they handed the disc back to Fat Sang.

Taking the disc, Fat Sang cupped his hands and said, "Thank you to the three of you for inspecting the equipment to ensure the fairness of the game!

Next, the game is about to begin!"