strictlysupreme Chapter 34 Where did the mine go?
Chapter 34 Where did the mine go?
Half a day after the exiles left the valley, a figure suddenly appeared beside the collapsed mountainside, intently sensing the remaining spiritual energy in the surrounding area. The entire mountain peak was sunken, as if the bottom had been hollowed out and couldn't bear the weight of the mountain above, causing it to collapse completely.
A group of officials dismounted at the mouth of the valley and came up behind the figure.
“My lord, this is the valley where the discovery of the Spirit Crystal Demon was reported.” An officer stepped forward to report, “We have just inspected the entire valley. The spirit crystal dust scattered after the Spirit Crystal Demon dissipated covered half of the valley on the side where the mountain collapsed, indicating that there was a considerable amount. We also discovered signs that may be the Spirit Crystal Demon King.”
"A Spirit Crystal Demon King?" The Heavenly Gang Master, dressed in a dark blue Celestial Master's robe, glanced sideways. "There is clearly a rich aura of spirit crystals here, and spirit crystal demons have also been born here. There has even been the birth of a king. But where is the mine?"
"My lord, are you saying there's a spirit crystal vein here?" the official asked, puzzled. "But we've searched the entire area within ten miles and haven't found any trace of a vein. The report said that a landslide a few days ago exposed some scattered spirit crystal stones, which attracted the spirit crystal demon."
Tian Gang focused his attention again on the collapsed mountain rubble and asked in a low voice, "You said the one who reported the news was an official under Tianji?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, I am considered a reserve subordinate of Lord Tianji. It is said that because I am still young and need to stay with my parents, I am temporarily nominally under Lord Tianji, but not a formal subordinate."
"Based on your investigation, do you think you can wipe out these spirit crystal demons by yourself?"
The official hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Your Excellency, I cannot guarantee that."
"Reserve subordinates? Interesting!" Tian Gang smiled knowingly.
After the exiled caravan left the valley, they found themselves in a flat area with unobstructed roads.
As the sun began to set, the silhouette of a city nestled against the mountains came into view. Occasionally, farmers could be seen hurrying along the road, but they quickly kept their distance when they saw that the farmers were all wearing handcuffs and shackles and were being escorted by guards.
Wu Dayong led his team onto another side road leading away from the city, and then stopped by a large river beside the road. They would camp there for the night, as he was going to go to the nearby Panhou Mountain City to replenish supplies.
Panhou Mountain City is nestled against the majestic Panhou Mountain, whose rolling hills act as a solid backrest, providing a natural barrier for the city. Panhou Mountain rises a thousand meters high, its summit perpetually covered in snow and covered with evergreen pines and cypresses, often shrouded in mist, creating a scene of ethereal beauty. The city itself sits atop a vast plain, like a dazzling pearl. The Bian River originates from this mountain, flowing around the city and providing it with abundant water.
Panhou Mountain Town has four distinct seasons and is rich in local products.
Ning Xiaoxi followed Wu Dayong's carriage towards Panhou Mountain City. She wanted to take a look around the city. She had been in Daxia for so long but had never properly explored a town. Moreover, now that she had a portable cave dwelling, she could stock up on some supplies for use after arriving in Youzhou.
The city gate of Panhou Mountain City is tall and sturdy, constructed of massive bluestones, each meticulously carved with a smooth, even surface bearing the faint marks of time. Above the gate stands a majestic tower, its eaves soaring upwards like a soaring eagle, its beams carved and painted. Huge bronze bells hang from the eaves, their clear, melodious sounds echoing through the city gate when a gentle breeze blows.
The city gate's panels are made of thick ironwood, inlaid with rows of huge copper nails, adding to its imposing presence. Above the gate are engraved the four large characters "Panhou Mountain City," the calligraphy powerful and vigorous, each stroke showcasing the history and heritage of this mountain city.
The sun was about to set, and the guards at the city gate were preparing to close it. Wu Dayong passed through the inspection smoothly with his travel documents.
"Officer Wu, thank you for taking me into the city. Let's part ways here for now, and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow morning."
"The young lady can go and do her shopping. We'll meet here at dawn tomorrow."
Wu Dayong watched Ning Xiaoxi's retreating figure, not afraid that she would leave on her own. It wasn't because she relied on the fact that her parents and brother were still in the group, but because he knew that this young lady was not incapable of escaping exile; she just didn't want to.
After saying goodbye to Wu Dayong, Ning Xiaoxi followed the flow of people along the main road.
Although it was almost time for the city gates to close, there were still quite a few people in the city. Shops lined both sides of the street, and some shopkeepers had already lit up their lanterns. The colorful lights added a unique touch to the whole street.
As I passed a small alleyway at a side street, I glanced at a flower and plant shop inside and spotted several pots of hardy aster on the counter at the entrance.
The flowers of the aster are pale purple, with slender and soft petals, like meticulously crafted silk. Its leaves are oval-shaped, covered with a layer of fine down, and shimmer with a silvery luster under the light.
Ning Xiaoxi knew that aster was a flower that was very suitable for planting in the cold northern regions, but she was not very familiar with flowers and her knowledge was limited.
[Ding! You have awakened the survival skill Natural Perception (Intermediate Level). Natural Insight allows you to accurately identify the characteristics of various plants, including which are edible and nutritious, which have medicinal value and can treat common injuries and illnesses, and which are poisonous and dangerous. You can also accurately identify the types, habits, and edibility of wild animals.]
"Oh, Tuanzi, I absolutely adore you." Ning Xiaoxi laughed silently.
Aster tataricus is a perennial herb that flowers from July to September and fruits from August to October. It typically grows in damp, shady slopes, mountaintops, grasslands, and marshes at altitudes of 400-2000 meters. It has lung-moistening, phlegm-reducing, and cough-relieving effects, and is mainly used to treat coughs with phlegm, lung abscesses, chest pain, and urinary retention.
The shop assistant noticed Ning Xiaoxi staring at the potted asters. He subtly glanced at her clean and neat cotton clothes, thinking she looked like a head maid from a wealthy family. He walked over with a smile and introduced, "Miss, have you taken a fancy to these asters? These asters are not only ornamental, but they can also be used in medicine. We had a lot of trouble transplanting them from the mountain."
Ning Xiaoxi didn't buy anything directly. Instead, she went into the store. Now that she had the ability to identify flowers, she wanted to see if there were any suitable flowers for the northern region to grow in. Ideally, they would bloom all year round. Otherwise, if all she saw when she opened her eyes was white, and she couldn't stop being bored!
The shop assistant was quick-witted. Seeing Ning Xiaoxi enter the shop, he immediately followed her over. "What kind of flowers would you like, young lady? Our shop is the largest and most comprehensive flower shop in the entire Panhou Mountain City. We not only have the finest southern varieties, but also famous varieties suitable for the north. See what your preferences or intended use are, and I can introduce them to you."
"No need, I'll take a look myself first, and then I'll bother you if I find something I like." Ning Xiaoxi is a little socially awkward. She's not good at bargaining or refusing other people's kindness. As long as the shopkeeper is enthusiastic and proactive, she can't bring herself to refuse. So she used to shop online and rarely went to stores.