050 Obtaining the Titanium Crystal

After more than half an hour, the mining work finally ended, and the specific number of titanium crystals obtained was finally counted.

After Song Chao and Shen Wenjie confirmed it several times, the reserves of this micro-titanium crystal vein really gave them a big surprise.

Compared with the initial estimate of 1,000 to 2,000 pieces, the actual number of titanium crystals produced was much higher.

"I didn't expect that 2,420 titanium crystals were mined. It seems that we are lucky."

Looking at the statistics, a smile appeared on Shen Wenjie's face. For a strategic material like titanium crystal, even if they had mined only two hundred pieces, the time they spent on this matter would definitely not have been in vain.

Song Chao was also a little excited, but after the excitement, his eyes flickered and he hesitated to speak.

In the communication projection, Shen Wenjie carefully sensed this unease.

"Old Song, if you have something on your mind, just say it directly. There's nothing we can't face together."

Song Chao took a moment to organize his thoughts and then explained carefully:

"Old Shen, you know the identity of the person we just dealt with. Do you think Zhu Kang will inform Zhu Yaokui about this?"

Hearing Song Chao raise this concern, the joy faded from Shen Wenjie's face, replaced by a solemn expression.

As the influential inspection captain of Jiangyuan's Xinhuo Bureau, Shen Wenjie had access to reliable intelligence. He knew Zhu Kang's background well.

Initially, they had set this concern aside due to their focus on mining titanium crystals, but now that Song Chao brought it up, the gravity of the situation was clear to Shen Wenjie.

With Zhu Yaokui's influence in Jiangyuan City, if Zhu Kang reported this incident, it could lead to severe consequences, potentially jeopardizing Shen Wenjie's position as an inspection captain.

"What, you're talking about the laws of the Morning Star Principality? Let's not kid ourselves. In this era of transcendent star seas and distant floating continents, there's only one law that matters in the Morning Star Principality, and indeed in the entire human civilization: battleships of battleship level and above are forbidden from engaging in internal conflicts. As long as we haven't committed something outrageously public like massacring civilians or engaging in large-scale battles with over a hundred battleships, they won't strictly pursue it."

Anxiety clouded Shen Wenjie's expression as he looked at Song Chao.

"Old Song, do you have a plan? Let me be frank with you. You've only been in Jiangyuan City for twenty years. You might not fully grasp the situation here."

"While Zhu Yaokui has appeared kind in recent years, that's mainly since he took over as principal of Jiangyuan's top Xinhuo Academy. My father told me that over a century ago, he was ruthless, showing no hesitation in killing."

As if fearing Song Chao didn't grasp the seriousness, Shen Wenjie continued:

"If he comes after us, even if I try to intercede with the director, it won't help much."

Song Chao nodded, his agreement evident.

He was well aware of Zhu Yaokui's reputation. As a veteran third-level Xinhuo Captain for over two hundred years, Zhu Yaokui wielded significant influence in Jiangyuan City.

Understanding this, Song Chao felt a lingering unease.

The director Shen Wenjie mentioned was the head of the Jiangyuan Xinhuo Bureau. While influential, he was currently only at the peak of the second level. He might hold sway before Zhu Yaokui, but not enough to guarantee their safety.

After careful consideration, Song Chao voiced his plan.

"In that case, let me consult my father. If he intervenes, Zhu Yaokui may back off. However, in return, we might have to surrender half of the titanium crystals."

This had been the underlying difficulty for Song Chao. Involving his father would likely mean relinquishing a significant portion of their titanium crystal haul. High-level Xinhuo Captains were always in need of resources, and the allure of such vast reserves would be hard to resist.

Shen Wenjie felt a pang of regret. If they had split the crystals just between themselves, he would have secured at least a thousand pieces. Despite this, he gritted his teeth and agreed. Life outweighed titanium crystals in value.

"Alright, let's proceed with that plan. You take half to your father. The remaining 1,210 crystals will be split between us: 505 each. The last 200 will be evenly distributed among the seven junior pilots."

After stressing the importance of secrecy regarding the titanium crystals, the nine Xinhuo ships dispersed, heading swiftly towards the White Tower Floating Land.

Three of these ships soon peeled off to different cities within the White Tower Floating Continent.

The seven pilots were all trusted descendants of Song Chao and Shen Wenjie. Among them, the three pilots who split off were called by Song Chao.

If Song Chi were present, he'd recognize them as his cousins, sons of his eldest and second uncles, each having awakened their abilities several years prior.

Additionally, among Shen Wenjie's group, Shen Qing, who had agreed to explore ruins with Song Chi in the future, was also present.

In Heaven's Market, Song Chi emerged from the all-attribute training room, his face lit with excitement.

Feeling a surge in his strength once more, he marveled at the potency of the advanced body-building potion combined with the seven-hundred-year-old deep-water clam beads.

The Daoyin Technique, which he'd advanced just a day ago, had now surged again. The blood energy pulsating from his body, coupled with his overall physical prowess, seemed to have reached Daoyin Technique level 7.

In less than five days, his Guiding Technique had leapt from level 5 to level 7—a remarkable pace by any standard.

Ordinary cultivators would require more than three years for such progress.

Yet, Song Chi sensed a slight unease in his steps, a disharmony within his body.

Carefully attuning to himself, he realized his recent physical transformations had left him momentarily out of sync.

Recognizing this, Song Chi felt a surge of relief.

Initially disappointed he couldn't use up the advanced body-building potion immediately, he now saw wisdom in saving it until after he advanced his Guiding Technique to level 9.

It seemed fortunate he hadn't exhausted the last high-level body-building potion; another drastic improvement might have inflicted grave harm.

Swift progress was commendable, but unchecked advancement risked counterproductive strain, damaging the practitioner's foundation irreparably.

Acknowledging this reality, Song Chi abandoned plans to leave the market, instead returning to the all-attribute training room.

This time, he didn't resume Guiding Technique but focused on attuning his body, seeking to swiftly adapt to its newfound strength and mend any minor foundational damage.

Half a day later.

Click!

Opening the bedroom door, Song Chi emerged, having largely acclimated to his enhanced physical state. He found his father at home, though today Song Chao stood rather than sat, his demeanor unusually cautious.