Nine Revolutions Star Transformation

Chapter 973: Chapter 997: The Inner Workings of the Mine

Chu Linfeng sensed something was amiss. This fat middle-aged man had appeared silently behind him, without him noticing. The only explanation for this situation was that this guy had formidable strength, at least considerably stronger than his own.

Even though he was somewhat worried, Chu Linfeng wasn’t someone who feared causing trouble. He pretended not to see the man and turned around to leave. However, the fat middle-aged man chuckled, "Kid, you have some guts, daring to sneak into the mine. This place is a forbidden area, and breaking the rules here will bring punishment."

"I wasn’t aware of these rules. Besides, I just arrived and am leaving now, so surely this doesn’t count as violating the rules, right?" Chu Linfeng replied, feeling extremely frustrated. It seemed he couldn’t leave even if he wanted to. This place felt like a living prison. He regretted his whim to train here, as it brought him trouble.

The fat middle-aged man glanced at Chu Linfeng and laughed, "Since you’re here, don’t think about leaving. The mine needs manpower, and it’s good you came. Actually, the mine isn’t like what you just saw; those coming and going are people who made serious mistakes and are naturally punished.

Those who directly enter the mine seldom come out because there are independent resting areas inside the mine. Many people willingly come to train here. Inside, you can absorb the Immortal Stones you excavate but not take them away. With effort, breaking through your realm is very achievable. Once your realm elevates, you’ll naturally be valued. This is a place where many people achieve prominence, so don’t underestimate it. It’s not easy for ordinary people to get in here."

Chu Linfeng was astonished that the mine was spoken of so highly by this man. He smiled and said, "It’s not easy for most people to come out; it’s usually a life-or-death situation. You think I don’t know? Also, the idea that Immortal Stones can be absorbed freely is deceitful; nothing in the world comes that easy."

"Hehe, kid, you’re not simple-minded! You’re right; many who enter die inside, but those who manage to emerge are entrusted by the Hanjiang City Lord, that’s for sure. This world is inherently survival of the fittest, and only the strong can survive. I suspect you’re not a weakling, right? And while Immortal Stones can indeed be absorbed, there’s a condition attached to them."

Chu Linfeng, feeling the man wasn’t lying, assumed this person held a significant position in the mine and asked, "What’s the condition? I imagine it’s quite harsh!"

"Immortal Stones are incredibly precious in the Immortal Realm. Cold River Immortal Mine is just a small mine, and Upper Grade Immortal Stones are extremely rare here; at most, a hundred may appear in a year. Low-Grade and Middle Grade Immortal Stones are abundant; tens of thousands of Low-Grade can be unearthed annually, and thousands of Middle Grade.

Immortal Stone Mines are incredibly hard, making extraction quite troublesome. Therefore, I’ve devised a rewarding system: anyone who can excavate fifty Low-Grade Immortal Stones will be rewarded with one and permitted a two-day rest. Digging five Middle Grade Stones earns a reward of two Low-Grade Stones and also a two-day rest. Dig up Upper Grade Stones, and you’ll directly receive five Low-Grade Stones and rest for three days.

Ordinary Immortals often lack even Low-Grade Immortal Stones and must rely on absorbing the thin Immortal Spirit Qi in this space, making realm breakthroughs difficult. In essence, I’m indirectly cultivating the group. I think you’re smart enough to grasp my meaning," the middle-aged man explained.

Chu Linfeng pondered briefly and asked, "Are you the Mine Master here? Has anyone excavated Top-Grade Immortal Stones, and what rewards do they earn?"

"Top-Grade Immortal Stones have appeared before, but it’s been thousands of years. This Immortal Stone Ore Vein is merely a Low-Grade vein, so high-quality stones are hard to come by. If one were to be unearthed, the excavator would regain their freedom, receive hundreds of Low-Grade Immortal Stones, and become a mine guard, earning a monthly salary of ten Low-Grade Stones," the middle-aged man said.

"Since that’s the case, I want to take a look inside. However, I prefer tranquility and dislike working with others. Are there any solitary mining caves?" Chu Linfeng asked.

"Certainly, there are solitary mining caves, but they are mostly abandoned caves. I advise you not to enter. Bear in mind, every month, you must submit Immortal Stones. Less than ten, and you’ll be like those others you saw, forced to transport waste stones from the cave, a laborious task lasting a month, until another who hasn’t completed their task comes to replace them, and they, in turn, return to mining in the cave," the middle-aged man stated.

"I understand. In that case, I still want to explore an abandoned cave. I’m generally lucky and might just excavate some Immortal Stones," Chu Linfeng declared.

The middle-aged man hesitated briefly before responding, "Since you wish to enter an abandoned cave, I will grant your request. What’s your name?"

"I’m Lin Feng. What tools are required for excavating Immortal Stones? Surely you don’t expect us to dig by hand!" Lin Feng suddenly asked, a crucial concern.

"Upon entering, you’ll be given tools, so there’s no need to worry. Let’s go; we’ll head in now, as I’m eager to see what surprises you might bring," the middle-aged man said.

Following his lead, Lin Feng entered the mine. Many people turned their eyes toward Lin Feng, curious about him. It was rare for the Mine Master to visit the mine, making his sudden appearance today rather unusual. The young man behind him was also unfamiliar — could he be here to excavate Immortal Stones?

Speculation arose amongst the crowd. All the while, guards’ reprimands and cries echoed in the background. After about half an hour, the middle-aged man stopped and addressed Lin Feng, "This area ahead is mostly abandoned mines. Thousands of years of excavation have left it with hardly any Immortal Stones. Would you reconsider?"

"No need. I enjoy challenging myself. Arrange for the tools to be delivered, and in a month, the Immortal Stones will naturally appear," Lin Feng asserted.

"Very well, I hope you hold true to your words. Additionally, if your luck truly is exceptional, delivering twenty stones by month’s end grants a ten-day rest inside. Thirty stones earn twenty days, while fifty stones allow a month’s training. Remember, the third month is when your excavated stones are evaluated, so strive hard!" the middle-aged man encouraged.