Chapter 28: Recruiting Cannon Fodder

For a time, countless itinerant cultivators from the surrounding immortal markets set out on the road to the Red Spirit Gold Mine to dig for ore.

Thirty spirit stones a month. Three hundred sixty spirit stones a year.

Such income far surpassed what internal cultivators in ordinary immortal markets could earn. Compared to someone like He Song, a spiritual plant caretaker who received only one hundred fifty spirit stones a year, the mining wage was more than double.

Most itinerant cultivators lived precarious lives, constantly at risk. Now, with work that was both safe and lucrative, none would let the opportunity slip away.

Consequently, Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market saw far fewer itinerant cultivators passing through. Once lively and bustling, it now appeared somewhat empty these days.

"Friend He, have you heard any news about the Red Spirit Gold Mine?" Sharing a meal at the same table, Lin Cong naturally overheard the news He Song received.

For a moment, Lin Cong’s gaze burned with excitement; he seemed greatly interested in mining. In his mind, mining was certainly safer than hunting monsters outside. The pay was just as good, if not better, than risking one’s life in monster hunts. If possible, he thought, he would like to try it himself. Earning spirit stones safely—who would prefer the life of licking blood off the blade?

"Red Spirit Gold Mine..." He Song’s mind flashed to Meng Guan. He wondered how Meng Guan was doing at the mine. Meng Guan had left Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market for the mine half a month ago, and no news had come back yet. This left He Song faintly worried.

Yet, faced with Lin Cong’s inquiry, He Song remembered what Lin Cong had just said to him and, after a moment’s thought, quickly made his decision.

So be it, he would persuade his friend one more time, lest Lin Cong rush headlong into the mining district.

"Friend Lin, what I tell you now is for your ears only—don’t spread it around," he whispered.

Then, under Lin Cong’s suddenly bright gaze, He Song casually took out a slip of paper from his sleeve. It was meant for folding paper cranes and sending messages, but with so many people and loose tongues, it was risky to speak openly. Thus, He Song resorted to this method.

With a surge of spiritual power at his fingertips, he etched a line of words onto the paper.

"The Red Spirit Gold Mine only recruits itinerant cultivators, not internal market cultivators."

Once the inscription was complete, He Song handed the paper to Lin Cong and resumed enjoying his meal. Yet, as he passed the note, a weight lifted from He Song’s heart.

Earlier, Lin Cong had confided in him about breaking through from early to mid-stage Qi Refining—a favor. He Song had wanted to repay it with information about basic cultivation books in the Skill Pavilion, but Lin Cong hadn’t seemed interested. He’d worried about how to return the favor, but now, with this note, he felt he’d settled the debt.

Now, even if Lin Cong never again browsed those miscellaneous books in the Skill Pavilion, He Song’s favor was repaid.

"This..." Lin Cong, just handed the slip, widened his eyes.

Even with his shock, after reading the message, he immediately sent a ripple of spiritual power through the paper. When the fluctuation faded, the slip had turned to dust and scattered in the wind.

The paper vanished as if it had never existed.

But Lin Cong’s heart was now in turmoil. With just a glance, he understood what shocking event He Song’s note had revealed.

Under what circumstances would mining only recruit itinerant cultivators? When would they specifically seek them out? When would a small mine station several Foundation Establishment cultivators?

He didn’t know the answers, but he knew one thing: the tighter the security, the more likely treasures—and dangers—lurk inside.

Realizing this, Lin Cong broke out in a cold sweat.

He had just been thinking that mining would be more comfortable than hunting monsters outside. Now he understood: such high wages weren’t for miners, but for cannon fodder!

Perhaps, within the Red Spirit Gold Mine, unknown dangers awaited these expendable workers.

Under the suppression of several Foundation Establishment cultivators, even if the cannon fodder rebelled, they would stir no waves.

As for what lay inside, it was beyond his knowledge.

Sweat trickled down as Lin Cong looked at He Song with deep gratitude.

"Thank you for saving my life, friend!" He bowed deeply to He Song, feeling that befriending him five years ago had been the wisest decision of his life.

Had he not started cultivating their friendship five years ago, he would already be heading to the Red Spirit Gold Mine, full of excitement.

And then—his fate...

Thinking this, Lin Cong felt even more grateful, thrilled to be He Song’s friend. To befriend He Song truly was a matter of life and death!

He Song knew nothing of Lin Cong’s thoughts, but it was no surprise that Lin Cong’s expression had changed so dramatically after reading the note. The information had come from Wei Fan, a late-stage Qi Refining expert, half a month ago.

Though news of the Red Spirit Gold Mine had now spread throughout the immortal market, few could access its secrets as He Song had. Thus, it was more than enough to warn and intimidate an itinerant cultivator like Lin Cong.

Itinerant cultivators had few channels for information indeed.

"Just don’t spread it, friend. This matter is sensitive. If anyone investigates..." Though He Song had confidence in Lin Cong’s character after five years, he still gave a stern warning.

The matter wasn’t strictly forbidden to share—Wei Fan had casually told He Song and Meng Guan. But even if word reached other itinerant cultivators, few would believe it. Instead, they might think it was a lie concocted to keep them from earning spirit stones.

Still, He Song made the matter sound serious to keep Lin Cong from asking further, since he knew no more himself. Any continued questions would only embarrass him.

"No need to worry, friend. My lips are sealed! Come, let’s drink—no going home until we’re drunk!" Lin Cong, sobered by He Song’s warning and filled with lingering fear, felt even more fond of He Song for the special reminder.

As an itinerant cultivator, Lin Cong could not guess He Song’s true thoughts, but the warning only deepened his appreciation.