Yang Ling entered the Ore Vein and asked several miners he knew for information, confirming that Zhang Wei had told the truth.
Huìnéng and the others had indeed left.
"Even so, I still can't let my guard down."
"The Vajra Mingwang Technique is a First-rate Cultivation Method. If it's lost just like that... Ku Jue Temple surely won't let the matter rest."
"But no matter what, they won't find me. As long as I don't reveal the Cultivation Method I'm practicing, I'll be fine."
Yang Ling thought it over, then started looking for an opportunity to head to Mine Tunnel No. 2.
When he saw no one around, Yang Ling darted into Mine Tunnel No. 2.
"But I can't stay in the mine for five days in a row anymore."
Unlike before, he now needed to find opportunities to go back and practice the Vajra Mingwang Technique and Collapse Mountain Fist.
He couldn't let anyone find out about these things, so naturally, he wouldn't practice them in the mine.
That meant he had to leave once he'd dug enough.
After his Vajra Mingwang Technique reached First Glimpse of the Door, perhaps he'd choose a period to focus on pushing his level higher and earn more Attribute Points.
He opened the map, picked a route, and slowly made his way deeper.
He didn't come across any large chunks of Fire Crystal Rock along the way.
He wasn't in a hurry.
Keeping an eye out for any movement and watching for Mine Bandits or Mine Worms, he continued steadily onward.
At a fork in the passage, Yang Ling checked the map and chose one of the entrances.
He hadn't gone much farther when the space ahead suddenly opened up.
It was a natural cavern.
He lit his Fire Lighter and looked around. There were quite a few signs that someone had mined here.
"This is the spot."
Yang Ling began digging here and there, stopping now and then to search for Fire Crystal Rock Ore.
He was strong enough to drive his pickaxe a meter into the rock with just a few swings.
After repeating this for the time it took to brew a pot of tea, he struck a piece of Fire Crystal Rock and immediately got to work.
In the pitch-black depths, the only sound was Yang Ling's steady digging.
Thud, thud, thud!
With every strike, sparks flew and bits of rock fell away.
Streams of Experience Points flowed into Yang Ling, easing his muscle fatigue and soreness while boosting his stamina.
He dug with all his might, like a machine that never grew tired.
After an unknown amount of time, the crisp sound of leveling up rang out again.
"Ding!"
"Congratulations, you've leveled up and gained 1 Free Attribute Point."
Level 10!
A hint of emotion welled up in Yang Ling's heart.
He put the Attribute Point into Spirit and glanced at his Attribute Panel:
Character: Yang Ling
Class: Martial Artist
Level: 10
Strength: 11
Agility: 5
Spirit: 12
Martial Arts: Vajra Mingwang Technique (First-rate Cultivation Method, Beginner)
Experience Points: 60/100
Collapse Mountain Fist (First Glimpse of the Door)
Proficiency: 87/1000
Health Points: 110
"Congratulations, Player Yang Ling, for becoming one of the first thirty Top Players to reach Level 10. Reward: one Random Treasure Chest."
"What!? There's actually a reward like this!?"
Yang Ling froze. A flash of white light shimmered, then gathered in front of him into the shape of a treasure chest.
"Now this looks like a game. It's finally starting to feel like one."
Yang Ling gazed at the gleaming White Treasure Chest, excitement rising within him.
"So here you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.
Xu Qing walked in, holding a torch. Its light clearly illuminated Yang Ling's startled face.
"You..."
Yang Ling's muscles slowly tensed.
What should he do?!
The other man had seen the treasure chest!
How could he explain this thing?!
If Xu Qing got greedy, Yang Ling would have no chance against him!
Huìnéng had left, and Wang Jing had left too. Why hadn't Xu Qing left yet?
"Are you really that surprised to see me?"
Xu Qing said helplessly.
Then he walked over, seeming not to notice the treasure chest on the ground.
Could he really not see it?
Yang Ling's thoughts stirred.
"You suddenly showed up and scared me. I thought you were a Mine Bandit."
Yang Ling forced a trace of displeasure onto his face.
"If I were a Mine Bandit, would you still be alive? But honestly, even if a Mine Bandit came after you, one swing of your pickaxe would finish him off."
"You've trained that strength of yours to the point where it's almost on par with the guards outside."
Xu Qing smiled.
"It's all right. I've got a bit of brute strength."
Yang Ling smiled.
"Here's the thing. I'm getting ready to return to Mountain River Sect."
Xu Qing smiled faintly. "Don't be surprised. I'm a Martial Artist from Mountain River Sect, and I outrank Wang Jing.
"I disguised myself as a miner this time to find out whether that Buddhist Sutra from Ku Jue Temple was really hidden in our Ore Vein.
"Clearly, no such treasure is here. Ku Jue Temple has also given up searching here and shifted its focus to Qingshan City.
"They think there's a better chance Prisoner Butcher hid the Buddhist Sutra in Qingshan City.
"Everything they did afterward was just to throw people off the scent."
"You..."
Yang Ling's face showed surprise. Then he said respectfully:
"So you're an important figure from Mountain River Sect."
"I liked your attitude better before, but I suppose this is normal."
Xu Qing smiled. "You're devoted to mining and making money. That tells me you're an ambitious person.
"Would you be interested in working with me?"
"Gasp!"
Yang Ling drew a sharp breath inwardly.
Was this his chance to change classes?
He said respectfully, "I'm willing to join Mountain River Sect!"
"Bullshit!"
Xu Qing laughed and scolded him. "What qualifications do you have to join Mountain River Sect?
"To join, you need connections, money, or talent.
"Which do you have?"
"Then what do you mean?"
Yang Ling was taken aback.
"The Sect Master plans to give me an Ore Vein of Red Gold Mine, so I'm short-handed.
"I need a reliable subordinate who knows something about mining to keep an eye on things over there.
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