Chapter 5: Mining

…

In just three days, Teng She brought good news—they had struck magic crystals!

Yin Jixue immediately ordered him to increase the workforce, even though more miners meant a greater strain on their already limited food supply.

"Teng She, I know you have doubts, but follow my instructions. We need to extract as many magic crystals as possible to trade for supplies. If we rely solely on the city's food reserves, we won't make it through next year."

Based on Yin Jixue's calculations, grain purchases were concentrated in late April, likely because the Winged Tiger Clan was clearing out old stock. Assuming a biannual harvest cycle, crops would be planted in April and harvested by late July.

It was only September, yet the city was already struggling. People didn't show it on their faces, but anxiety was spreading.

Even sweet yams, the fastest-growing crop, would take at least two months before they were ready for consumption.

That meant mining had to be the top priority. They needed magic crystals to trade with the Black Tortoise Clan and Blue Luan Clan for food. The Winged Tiger Clan, being too far away, was not an option.

"I trust the Queen's decision. I won't let you down," Tengshe responded.

Currently, they had discovered three mining sites, and each one could produce over a hundred magic crystals per day—an impressive output.

For lower-ranked demons, their bodies were their weapons. They dug with their bare hands, scraping magic crystals bit by bit from the rock walls. The only reason they relied on such crude methods was simple—they were too poor to afford proper mining tools.

Yin Jixue studied the iron ore deposit she had marked on her map, deep in thought. Without hesitation, she instructed Ruoshui to summon all the blacksmiths in the city.

"How many iron tools can your workshops produce right now?" she asked.

The blacksmiths exchanged confused glances, unsure of the Queen's intentions.

There were three blacksmith shops in Black Dragon City, two of which were run by women. These female blacksmiths were towering figures, standing at nearly 1.8 meters (5'11"), their muscular arms covered in soot. Next to them, Yin Jixue looked tiny.

One of the female blacksmiths stepped forward. "Your Majesty, each of our workshops can forge one iron tool."

"Cough…"

Even though Yin Jixue had mentally prepared herself, she was still stunned by how impoverished Black Dragon City was.

This was beyond poor!

"Feng Xiu, take this letter to Teng She."

Thankfully, Yin Jixue had planned. The letter contained the location of the iron ore deposit, instructing Teng She to recruit another batch of lower-ranked demons to mine it.

If they wanted to increase mining efficiency, they first needed proper tools.

"If I provide the materials, how many tools can you produce?" she asked.

The female blacksmith, Hei Sha, answered first, "Given our physical limitations, we can make one tool per day."

One tool per day? That was way too slow.

Even if all three workshops worked nonstop, that would only be three tools per day.

And they already had thirty miners—a number that was bound to increase.

"What if I ensure you have enough food?" Yin Jixue asked, locking eyes with them.

Hei Sha tilted her head back proudly. "Then I can forge three tools per day."

The other two blacksmiths nodded. "Same here."

Yin Jixue quickly did the math.

"Alright. For now, return home and wait for further instructions. We're currently locating an iron mine. I hope when the time comes, you'll keep your word."

She casually dipped her fingers into tea and sketched a pickaxe on the table. "It should look like this. It doesn't need to be fancy—just sturdy and durable."

As the three blacksmiths left the palace, they were in a daze.

The Queen had chosen them!

They had assumed she would trade magic crystals with the Black Tortoise Clan for tools—it would have been easier and more efficient.

But she had faith in them instead.

They wouldn't let her down.

Meanwhile, Tengshe received the letter and was once again shocked—the Queen had found another mine.

This time, it was iron ore. Tengshe wasn't as thrilled as he had been when they discovered magic crystals, but he knew how crucial iron was.

One magic crystal could only be traded for five mining tools, proving just how expensive iron tools were.

Tengshe immediately gave an order to a nearby demon soldier. "Go to the surrounding villages and recruit twenty young demons for mining. Tell them they'll be provided food."