Chapter 32: Secret of the Spirit Mine

As the group proceeded toward the island, Li Qing noticed a road paved with white jade appearing ahead.

At the end of the road stood several quite magnificent courtyards. In the very center, a three-story palace had been constructed, adorned with gold from the mortal realm, making it appear quite grand. Looking further ahead, a row of charming mortal women stood respectfully on both sides, waiting for the group's arrival.

Seeing this, Li Qing suddenly realized that his perceptions had been somewhat flawed.

The so-called "stationing at a spirit mine" did not necessarily mean living a life of hardship. That "hardship" was merely relative to other cultivators; with their strength at the mid-stage of Qi Refinement, they could still enjoy a lifestyle akin to that of a mortal emperor.

Between the nearby Yellow Jade Island and the surrounding islands where mortals could survive, the number of mortal inhabitants was countless. It could be said that anything one could enjoy in the mortal world could also be enjoyed here.

After the group entered the main hall, they saw it was already filled with various mortal delicacies to receive them.

"Both fellow Daoists have had a tiring journey."

"Why not settle in here for a while? We shall arrange the specific matters regarding the spirit mine tomorrow."

A moment later, the group took their respective seats within the hall.

Li Qing took a few bites of the food below. Before reaching the Golden Core stage, cultivators required food to supplement their bodies and maintain their vitality. However, the food Li Qing ate in his sect was infused with spiritual energy, so he did not hold these current offerings in high regard.

Just then, a faint fragrance wafted toward him.

Two graceful figures quickly approached Li Qing; they were the young, charming women who had been waiting outside the hall. Similarly, two beautiful women appeared around Jiao Yujian.

Seeing that neither Li Qing nor Jiao Yujian offered any obvious rejection, the expressions of those guarding the spirit mine visibly relaxed.

Observing this, Li Qing vaguely guessed what was happening.

Although the mining of spirit mines was all recorded in ledgers, all information could be altered. There was no precise method for calculating mining yields; it could only be estimated based on the density of previously extracted ore.

Aside from checking the ledgers of spirit stone mining, Li Qing's task with Jiao Yujian was to confirm the progress of the mining—to verify whether the actual mining progress matched the quantities recorded in the ledgers.

As for how to judge the progress, it relied primarily on their visual assessment. Naturally, this left room for manipulation.

Li Qing allowed the two charming women to sit by his side.

"Immortal Master, is there any delicacy you would like to taste? This lowly one will serve you," a flirtatious voice rang out beside him.

Two warm, supple bodies pressed tightly against Li Qing's frame, twisting rhythmically.

An involuntary heat rose within Li Qing's body, but in the next instant, he circulated his Dharmic power, instantly regaining his composure.

Now was not the time for indulgence. The danger of this trip was lurking nearby; he needed to focus his energy on dealing with Jiao Yujian. He had no interest in mortal women.

For a cultivator, maintaining one's primordial essence was useful for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage; Li Qing would not surrender his essence to a mortal woman. If there were suitable secret methods, one could even use their primordial essence to find a compatible partner for dual cultivation to enhance their cultivation.

"You may leave. I do not require anyone to serve me for the time being."

Li Qing waved his hand, signaling the two women to depart.

The two flirtatious women then turned their gaze toward Meng Kan. Seeing Meng Kan wave them off, they tidied their clothes, rose, bowed, and left.

Seeing Li Qing's behavior, a flash of disdain crossed Jiao Yujian's eyes from a distance. Jiao Yujian, on the other hand, was quite open; while exchanging pleasantries, he had already slid his arm into the embrace of a beauty beside him.

Li Qing looked outside; night had fallen unnoticed.

Beside him, Meng Kan seemed to catch his drift.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, it is late. Please take Fellow Daoist Li to rest first."

"..."

"Then, I shall take my leave."

After cupping his hands toward the group, Li Qing rose and left.

The inspection of the spirit mine could not take place until tomorrow; there was no need for him to linger here and waste his time.

Qin Geng led Li Qing to a courtyard that appeared to be newly built. After entering, Li Qing first performed a sweep of the area. Finding nothing unusual, he began to sit in meditation to rest.

However, he did not dare let his guard down. Before he could figure out Wei Xuan's scheme, he needed to remain vigilant at all times. He did not believe Wei Xuan would remain idle after exerting such great effort to arrange his placement here. He had even placed the Golden Essence Sword Talisman from his storage bag close to his chest to ensure he could act quickly if an unexpected event occurred.

Aside from Jiao Yujian, he was also wary of external threats.

Several hours later, in the middle of the night, footsteps suddenly approached the door. Li Qing immediately opened his eyes with a look of alertness.

"Is Fellow Daoist Li in?" Meng Kan's voice came from the doorway.

"Please come in, Fellow Daoist Meng."

A strange light flashed in Li Qing's eyes. He had already guessed the general purpose of Meng Kan's visit.

The door opened, and Meng Kan walked in with a smile. The two sat down near a stone table outside the courtyard.

"I apologize for disturbing Fellow Daoist Li so late," Meng Kan said apologetically.

"May I ask if Fellow Daoist Meng has business here?" Li Qing asked directly with a smile.

"It is like this. You have had a tiring journey."

"This is a small token of appreciation from the four of us. I hope Fellow Daoist Li will not take offense."

As Meng Kan spoke, he waved his hand, and a small pile of low-grade spirit stones appeared on the table. Li Qing took a quick glance; there were approximately sixty low-grade spirit stones.

"Not at all. As they say, one should not accept rewards without merit. Fellow Daoist Meng, you might as well speak plainly."

Li Qing did not refuse the stones on the table, nor did he accept them directly. Seeing this, a smile appeared on Meng Kan's face. As long as there was no direct refusal, it meant everything was negotiable.

"To be honest with you, Fellow Daoist Li, you should have some understanding of the situation regarding our spirit stone mine..."

"But lately, for some reason, the density of the ore being mined has dropped significantly."

At this point, Meng Kan deliberately lowered his head and sighed.

"I only hope that when Fellow Daoist Li inspects the mine tomorrow, you might show some leniency."

After speaking, Meng Kan stared intently at Li Qing, seemingly waiting for his attitude.

"The matter of a spirit mine is not something human effort can fully control. As long as the density does not drop too low and it remains acceptable to the sect, I naturally have no objection," Li Qing said with a calm smile.

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Meng Kan's eyes. He had not expected this Fellow Daoist Li to be so experienced. He naturally understood the implication in Li Qing's words: as long as the sect was satisfied, he would not interfere.

"Good, good."

Meng Kan nodded with an excited expression.