Chapter 62: Mining

Lin Shiji set up the formation and activated it, creating a nearly transparent barrier that enveloped the entire stone forest.

This was a first-tier mid-grade formation known as the Kui Star Formation, specifically borrowed from the family for this hunt. It was valuable and designed for both trapping and defense. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator's attack could be resisted for a short time.

Having set up the formation, Lin Shiji performed a series of incantations and gestures, chanting softly.

"Activate!"

The illusion spell successfully activated, transforming the stone forest into what appeared to be an ordinary small valley, blending seamlessly with the surrounding peaks.

Satisfied with his work, Lin Shiji confirmed there were no mistakes before turning back to the cave.

Inside the cave, Lin Tianming and the others were gathered, discussing their findings.

After thorough investigation, they determined that the entire spirit mine vein lay beneath the stone forest, at a depth of over five hundred meters, covering an area of about seven to eight hundred acres. The thickness of the vein was less than a hundred meters, making it a very small spirit mine.

Although the vein covered nearly a thousand acres, ninety-nine percent of it was ordinary rock, which was extremely hard and difficult to excavate.

Seeing Lin Shiji return, everyone stood and greeted him.

"Tianming, what's the result of your survey? What's the size of the deposit? How difficult is the excavation?"

Lin Shiji asked eagerly, looking forward to the specifics.

"Fifth Uncle, based on our survey, this is a very small spirit mine, covering more than seven hundred acres. We can't determine the exact quantity until we've fully excavated it, but I estimate the reserves aren't large. Otherwise, it wouldn't be occupied by just first-tier Silver Earth Scorpions."

Lin Tianming's analysis was widely accepted by most. If it were a large mine, the Silver Earth Scorpions wouldn't be able to defend it, and it would have been discovered by cultivators long ago.

Lin Tianming's assessment calmed Lin Shiji's excitement.

"Alright, since the reserves aren't large, let's not report this to the family for now. This place is several hundred miles from our territory and frequented by cultivators. If discovered, it could cause significant trouble. Everyone, start digging. The Earth Essence Crystals you find are yours. I'll keep watch outside."

"Yes!"

Everyone began digging with great enthusiasm, even those who had previously advised Lin Tianming to give up. They now swung their tools vigorously, working hard.

Inside the cave, the scene was bustling. The ten cultivators worked like mortal farmers, but with various strangely-shaped spiritual tools instead of hoes.

Lin Tianming, stripped to the waist and revealing his muscular physique, sweated profusely. As a body cultivator, he relied on his strength of over a thousand jin, making his excavation much faster.

In just half a day, Lin Tianhong was nearly exhausted. With his fifth-tier Qi Refining stage, digging through the hard rock was indeed strenuous, far slower than Lin Tianming.

The group dug along the outer edge of the mine vein. It took half a month to complete one circuit, yielding only a few small pieces of Earth Essence Crystal, but they were already satisfied.

Two months passed quickly. The underground area had changed significantly. Ten half-meter-wide tunnels now crisscrossed beneath the stone forest, neatly passing through.

Over two months, they barely rested, working day and night.

Finally, after the last ten or so acres were excavated, everyone collapsed, gasping for breath.

The clan members were now in tattered clothes, covered in sweat and grime, looking more like beggars than cultivators.

Lin Tianming, relying on his body cultivation, was in much better condition. After sending a message to Lin Shiji, he sat down to wait.

Within moments, Lin Shiji arrived, his face glowing with excitement as he eagerly inquired about their findings.

"Fifth Uncle, I found eleven pieces!"

An excited clan member took out eleven pieces of Earth Essence Crystal from his storage bag, most of them fist-sized.

"I found thirteen pieces!"

Another uncle placed his crystals in the pile.

...

It was Lin Tianming and his brothers' turn.

Lin Tianfeng pulled out nine pieces of Earth Essence Crystal, surprising the elders.

Considering the difficulty of finding even one piece, especially as they dug deeper into harder rock, Lin Tianfeng's sixth-tier Qi Refining stage effort was impressive.

Lin Tianhong followed, presenting seven pieces, a significant haul for his lower cultivation level.

Lin Shiji nodded in satisfaction, pleased with the younger generation's performance.

Finally, it was Lin Tianming's turn. With his strength and luck, Lin Shiji's expectations were high.

Without hesitation, Lin Tianming took out twenty-eight pieces of Earth Essence Crystal, placing them on the pile.

Everyone gasped. Although they expected Lin Tianming to have a substantial haul, the sheer quantity was astonishing.

Among the other nine, Lin Xingzhi had the most with fifteen pieces, but Lin Tianming's total nearly doubled that, an impressive feat.

In reality, Lin Tianming hadn't revealed everything, keeping five larger pieces for himself. He believed others had done the same, as these were personal gains, voluntarily shared.

The pile of fist-sized Earth Essence Crystals now resembled a small hill.

Lin Shiji was thrilled. The family had spent decades' worth of resources to create Small Foundation Establishment Pills, depleting their funds. This hundred-plus pieces of Earth Essence Crystal were worth at least twenty thousand spirit stones, easing the family's financial strain.

Everyone smiled, reflecting on their good fortune. Joining the hunting squad had proven lucrative, with the Silver Earth Scorpion materials and Earth Spirit Mushrooms adding significant value.

Even Lin Tianhong, with the smallest haul, stood to gain at least a thousand spirit stones, enough to reach the peak of the Qi Refining stage. With enough savings, he could buy a Small Foundation Establishment Pill and enter the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lin Shiji spoke, bringing everyone back to reality.

"I'll store the Earth Essence Crystals. I've recorded everyone's contributions. Once we return to the family, you can collect your rewards at the Merit Hall."

"We're all tired. Rest here for two days before we continue hunting in the area."

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison, then sat down to cultivate.