News of a Spirit Stone mine appearing in Thorny Ridge spread like wildfire. The forces of Great Yan, the grasslands, and Great Li were the first to receive word.
Thorny Ridge was not far from Sweet Spring Commandery, and Li Xuancang soon learned of it as well.
"A Spirit Stone mine... who knows how much bloodshed it will stir up?"
Even a small Spirit Stone mine could yield at least several hundred thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones, not to mention Mid-grade Spirit Stones and High-grade Spirit Stones.
If it were a medium-sized Spirit Stone vein, the quantity could multiply severalfold, even tenfold or more.
Whenever a Spirit Stone vein appeared, it drew countless factions into a struggle for it.
"Strengthen the patrols. No one is allowed to run wild within Sweet Spring Commandery."
Sweet Spring Commandery was the only route through which all Great Yan factions had to pass on their way to Thorny Ridge. By then, people from every walk of life would be passing through, fish and dragons mingled together, threatening the peace of Sweet Spring Commandery.
Li Xuancang prepared for a rainy day and made arrangements in advance.
Within Wenxin Academy, several great scholars personally led teams out.
Wenxin Academy had lacked Spirit Stones in recent years. They too wanted a share of the pie.
"Set out."
The Great Evolution Sect, Spirit Sword Sect, Giant Whale Gang, Profound Heaven Sect... factions throughout Great Yan all sent experts over, intending to fight for the Spirit Stone mine.
At court, the ministers once again argued until the roof nearly came off.
"Your Majesty, the national treasury is presently empty and urgently needs Spirit Stones to replenish it."
Great Yan's treasury was running at a deficit, while the fighting at the front was pressing. The daily expenditure was an astronomical figure.