Chapter 509: Surviving a Disaster, Sharing the Mineral Vein (Combined Chapter)

After Song Qingming finished speaking, he smiled slightly, directly took out a Soul-Gathering Bowl, and cast a spell to collect the trapped ghost cultivator directly into it.

"Fellow Daoist, don't, don't do this. I also know a great secret that will definitely be useful to you. Please spare my life. Believe me, I will definitely not deceive you!"

"Hmph! I am a dignified Jin Dan cultivator, do I still need to believe the words of someone who is willing to fall into the ghost path." Song Qingming snorted coldly, and after a ball of green light was collected into the Soul-Gathering Bowl, the figure of this ghost cultivator soon disappeared directly in the cave.

Regardless of what identity this ghost cultivator had, when he saw the restriction planted on Song Changze by this person, Song Qingming had already guessed a few points in his heart. This guy wanted to do something next, but the unlucky guy hadn't had time to succeed yet.

An old monster like this who speaks nonsense, in order to survive, absolutely anything is possible. Song Qingming didn't dare to be too careless, giving the other party a chance to calculate against himself again.

Regardless of whether this old fellow really has any shocking secrets, anyway, the initiative is now in his own hands. As long as the primordial spirit of this ghost cultivator is imprisoned, Song Qingming naturally has ways to directly search his soul after going back, and there is no need to bargain with him here.

After solving this ghost cultivator, Song Qingming carefully put away the storage bag under the white bone, and then drove the Chifeng Beast to search in the cave again. After finding no other abnormalities, he safely retreated to the cave entrance.

Hearing Song Qingming's voice transmission indicating that there was no danger, Huang Siyuan and the others guarding the cave entrance put away the formation flags in their hands and walked toward him.

"Husband, what was the ghost thing you fought with just now that could speak human words?"

Song Qingming nodded calmly and said: "It was a ghost cultivator who had opened his wisdom. His cultivation was only at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Don't worry, that guy has already been collected by me. I'll search his soul when I go back to see what kind of background this guy has."

On the day Song Changze chased the monster and jumped down the mountain stream, by coincidence, he happened to fall near the entrance of the cave outside. The wolf monster had nowhere to go and fled directly into the cave.

However, fortunately, this rift did not have too much impact on him. In the past few years, Song Changze's performance in the family law-enforcement team has been quite remarkable. His combat experience in facing monsters and his response and decision-making after encountering things were all done quite well, and he did not fluctuate his Dao heart because of Song Qingming's sudden coldness toward him.

"They are all clansmen, why be so polite? This is just an accident, you don't have to blame yourself too much!" Seeing the remorseful look on the child's face, Song Qingyu and several other family ancestors also stepped forward and comforted Song Changze a few words.

Just as the two were talking, Song Qingyu had already successfully broken the restriction in Song Changze's body, and not long after, Song Changze, whose face was somewhat pale, woke up in a daze.

After being caught in, Song Changze was soon planted with a restriction by the other party and fell into a deep sleep directly. He only woke up until now. In the middle of these ten days, what happened in the cave, including the two great battles between Song Qingyu and the others and the ghost cultivators, he, the person who induced this matter, also knew nothing about it.

Since learning a few years ago that the family decided to support Song Yuanxue in establishing her foundation and transferred himself to the law-enforcement team, Song Changze had also been somewhat unclear in his heart why Song Qingming, the family ancestor who loved him very much, suddenly became cold toward him.

"Thank you, Patriarch, for your guidance. Changze remembers it!" Hearing the words of encouragement from Song Qingming, Song Changze felt as if a layer of clouds had been cleared in his heart, and he nodded heavily with joy.

After saving Song Changze, Song Qingming and the others returned to the yin spirit land, used magic treasures to directly cut off a few pieces of Yin Fire Stone, and then retreated from the ghost cultivator cave.

Before, Qingyu let you go to the family law-enforcement team, which was actually my intention. I wanted to temper your temperament before you established your foundation. You don't have to think too much about it.

Before leaving, in order to prevent other ghosts from entering this cave again, Song Qingming spent a little more time setting up a restriction formation at the cave entrance, and only then did he safely lead the crowd back to Mount Funiu.

"Changze, what are you doing? Get up quickly!" Seeing the remorseful look on the child's face, Song Qingming scolded him softly and hurriedly stepped forward to help Song Changze up.

Huang Siyuan smiled and said: "Changze breaking into here by mistake this time, speaking of which, is a disaster and a blessing. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to find this place for a while and timely solve this group of ghost cultivators hiding under our noses."

Song Yuanxue and the others who stayed on the mountain, after seeing Song Qingming and several family elders bring Song Changze back safely, also breathed a sigh of relief after worrying for a long time.

"Siyuan is right. Being able to survive this disaster this time can be considered an opportunity for you. If it is destined in your life that you really have this calamity, we wouldn't be able to save your life no matter how fast we came."

After hearing Song Qingyu tell him simply about what happened after he went missing, Song Changze was also very self-blaming and knelt directly in front of Song Qingming with a "thump."

Song Qingming was overall very satisfied with his performance. Going out to practice more, although it will slightly delay the progress of practice, it will definitely be of great help to Song Changze's future Foundation Establishment.

Seeing Song Changze wake up, except for being somewhat weak because he had inhaled a lot of yin energy automatically after staying in such a place for a long time, there were no other problems. Song Qingming and the others finally let go of their hearts and revealed smiles one after another.

This time going to Mount Yunwu to fight the ghost cultivators and save Song Changze, the Song family almost dispatched all the high-tier combat power of the family, and even Song Xinyu, who was far away in the Xiaoyao Sect, was called back to participate. If there was any mistake, it would be a heaven-collapsing event for the Song family, so they couldn't help but worry about Song Qingming and the others.

On the second day after returning to Mount Funiu, Song Xinyu took the initiative to come to the top of the mountain to say goodbye to Song Qingming, intending to return to the sect to close seclusion and recuperate from his injuries.

Song Xinyu and Song Qingyu were both injured in this battle. Although the injuries were not serious and would not affect their Dao path, they still needed to practice in seclusion for some time to recover, so Song Qingming did not open his mouth to keep him for a few more days.

"Xinyu, you have worked hard these days. When you return to the sect, take this back to the Sect Master Brother by the way, and let him send a few people to see if that mineral vein is worth mining." After Song Qingming finished speaking, he took out a cloth bag that had been prepared long ago and handed it to Song Xinyu.

Besides a piece of Yin Fire Stone brought out from the ghost cultivator cave in this bag, Song Qingming also specially stuffed a thousand spirit stones into it to reward Song Xinyu for his contribution to the family this time.

"This Seventh Uncle, why are you..."

"Sigh! These are all given to you by me on behalf of the family. You were injured this time because of family matters, and it is only right for the family to give you some spirit stones as compensation. Listen to me, don't refuse, just accept it."

To tell the truth, before Song Qingming returned to the family, when Song Qingyu and the others encountered that Jin Dan Ghost King, if it weren't for the second-tier formation borrowed from the sect by Song Xinyu, they would probably not have been able to retreat completely when they entered the ghost cultivator cave for the second time.

Including the great battle to completely eliminate the ghost cultivators for the third time, Song Xinyu also contributed a lot and was injured because of it. Even if the family is difficult at this time, it still needs to express something and cannot let these clansmen who joined the sect feel cold.

"That's good, Xinyu thanks Seventh Uncle!" Seeing Song Qingming so persistent

"Sigh! These are all things I am giving you on behalf of the family. Your injury this time was also because of family matters, so it is only right for the family to give you some spirit stones as compensation. Listen to me and do not decline; just accept them."

To tell the truth, before Song Qingming returned to the family, when Song Qingyu and the others encountered that Jin Dan Ghost King, if it hadn't been for the second-tier grand formation that Song Xinyu had specially borrowed from the sect, they likely would not have been able to retreat unscathed when they entered the ghost cultivator's cave for the second time.

Including the great battle that completely eliminated the ghost cultivators for the third time, Song Xinyu had also contributed quite a bit of effort and was injured as a result. Even if the family is facing difficulties at this time, they still need to show some appreciation; they cannot let these clansmen who have joined the sect feel disheartened.

"In that case, Xinyu thanks Seventh Uncle!" Seeing Song Qingming so insistent, Song Xinyu did not stand on ceremony anymore and accepted the spirit stones with a smile.

Song Qingming nodded with satisfaction and said, "When you are in the sect, you must also keep an eye on Yuanrong and the others. I was the one who nodded to send these children to the sect in the first place. If any of them still have a path to Foundation Establishment, the family naturally will not ignore them. Remember to send me a message when the time comes."

"Seventh Uncle, rest assured. Your nephew will not forget these matters. I know the teachers of the several clansmen who have joined the sect, so it will not be difficult to look after them within the sect. With me there, you can rest easy."

After giving Song Xinyu a few instructions, Song Qingming personally saw him out the door. Only after watching Song Xinyu transform into a streak of sword light and disappear into the horizon did he turn around and head back to Song Qingyu's cave dwelling on the mountaintop.

Just as he walked through the door, Song Qingming was surprised to see Huang Siyuan also there. The two looked as if they were drinking tea and chatting, but Song Qingming unexpectedly caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance.

Song Qingming put on a straight face and said, "I thought you were in seclusion healing your wounds. I didn't expect you to have gotten your hands on something delicious behind my back again?"

"Sister Qingyu was injured this time, and I happened to have a spiritual object that is useful for recovery, so I brewed a bowl of soup for her. You arrived at just the right time; come and have a taste together!" As she spoke, Huang Siyuan opened the medicinal soup on the side and served a bowl to Song Qingming, who had just sat down.

"Sister-in-law, you really know how to handle people. You clearly said you were sending this to me, but as soon as Seventh Brother arrived, you immediately changed your mind. By using one gift for two people, you've really made a profit!"

Huang Siyuan shook her head with a smile and said, "If you like it, I will go to Qinghefang in a few days to get some more ingredients and make two more portions for you, is that alright?"

"Haha! Stop joking, I wouldn't dare to hog your good craftsmanship all to myself. Seventh Brother, now that Xinyu has left in such a hurry, did you remind him about the Yin Fire Stone vein and tell him not to spread the word after he returns?" Seeing that Huang Siyuan was feeling a bit embarrassed, Song Qingyu changed the subject and looked at Song Qingming on the side.

Song Qingming, who had taken a sip of the medicinal soup, gently set down the jade bowl in his hand and said slowly, "No need. I have already instructed him to inform the Sect Master directly upon his return. I estimate that it won't be long before the sect sends people over."

"If there really is a Yin Fire Stone vein in that cave, its value is not something an ordinary vein can compare to. If we just hand it over to the sect like this, I'm afraid we might not get much benefit. Seventh Brother, why don't you reconsider!"

Song Qingming nodded calmly and replied, "I have already thought about this over the past two days. That place is deep within Mount Yunwu and too far from the family's territory. There are still many second-tier or higher demonic beasts roaming around. Regardless of whether it is a vein or not, we alone cannot mine it in the short term.

Furthermore, mortals cannot stay near Yin Fire Stone ore for long; it must be mined by a large number of cultivators. For the family, this is also a significant burden right now. We cannot just look at the immediate benefits; we must act according to our capabilities. No matter how fat the meat is, we must have the ability to eat it, otherwise, if we overexert ourselves, the loss will outweigh the gain."

Hearing this, Song Qingyu sighed and said, "This is indeed a trouble. Low-tier cultivators are easy to handle; we can directly recruit them from the vassal families below. Giving them a little sweetness is not a difficult task.

The only problem is that the location of the vein is truly too remote. Without three or five Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed there year-round, I'm afraid it will be difficult to maintain peace. We would also need to cultivate a second-tier mid-grade or higher spirit vein, which is also a significant investment."

Hearing Song Qingyu mention the spirit stones that needed to be invested, Song Qingming nodded helplessly. The reason he decided so quickly this time to inform the sect directly was also because of these considerations.

During these few months in the Wu Kingdom, Song Qingming had almost emptied the family's treasury to purchase spiritual objects and owed Song Qingyu and several other Foundation Establishment cultivators quite a few spirit stones. Now, not only could he not take out many spirit stones himself, but the family's treasury was also empty. He didn't know when they would be able to save enough spirit stones to invest in mining the vein.

Although the Song family is already a Jin Dan family and has the right to directly mine any newly discovered veins within their territory, because the situation of this vein is quite special, Song Qingming decided after much deliberation to notify the Xiaoyao Sect.

"Instead of sitting and looking at a gold mountain that we cannot obtain, it is better to give up some benefits and share them with the sect. This can improve our relationship with the sect and is the best choice for the family at present.

However, it is still a bit early to talk about this. We must wait for the sect to send people over to determine the reserves of this vein before we can discuss the subsequent matters with them."

Song Qingyu nodded and said, "That is true. But the Yin energy in that place is so heavy that it could give birth to a Jin Dan Ghost King. I think we shouldn't have worked in vain this time!"

Not even a few days after Song Xinyu left, the Xiaoyao Sect quickly sent two professional second-tier spirit-prospectors to the Song family. After learning the news, Song Qingming personally came to the family's council hall.

"Disciple pays respects to Uncle Song!" Seeing Song Qingming walk in, the two Xiaoyao Sect disciples hurriedly bowed and performed a salute.

Glancing at the two, Song Qingming discovered that he had met one of them years ago. This person had once participated in surveying the Geng Gold mine of the Wang family at Mount Fengtou and was now a veteran Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Xiaoyao Sect.

The profession of spirit-prospector is similar to that of a formation master, requiring individual talent and is very rare in the cultivation world. The Song family had tried to cultivate a few over the years, but unfortunately, except for one person in the "Yuan" generation who successfully entered the field, they had not yet cultivated a second spirit-prospector.

"This time, Siyuan, Yuanfang, and Yuanxi will go with me. The others should go back to their own business!" After chatting for a while with the spirit-prospectors sent by the Xiaoyao Sect, Song Qingming took out the "Phantom Boat" and soon brought everyone to the outside of the ghost cultivator's cave dwelling.

After checking that the formation restrictions at the cave entrance had not been destroyed, Song Qingming felt relieved and led everyone into the cave to survey the vein.

Song Yuanxi, who accompanied them this time, is currently the only spirit-prospector in the Song family. Although his cultivation talent is not high—he is only a four-element spiritual root cultivator—he does indeed have some talent in spirit-prospecting. In the dozen years since becoming a spirit-prospector, he has helped the family find a small black iron vein.

Song Qingming quite likes cultivators like Song Yuanxi who can make great contributions to the family despite having average cultivation talent. As long as they can successfully cultivate to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation before the age of sixty, the family will also consider them more when it comes to the issue of competing for Foundation Establishment pills.

After spending half a day, the two spirit-prospectors from the Xiaoyao Sect finally had a roughly definitive result regarding the Yin Fire Stone vein.

"Reporting to Uncle Song, the reserves of this Yin Fire Stone vein are very large and can be mined for at least three hundred years. The quality of the ore on the outside is also very good. If one hundred Qi Condensation cultivators are assigned to mine the ore, after deducting costs, it is estimated that they can mine ore worth about four thousand spirit stones per year."

"Oh! Then this vein should be worth mining. Thank you for your hard work!" Hearing the report from the Xiaoyao Sect's spirit-prospectors, Song Qingming was very satisfied and specially rewarded each of them with one hundred spirit stones.

This Yin Fire Stone vein can generate an income of four thousand spirit stones a year. Although it cannot compare to the Geng Gold mine discovered by the Wang family back then, it can be considered a rare large-scale vein in Jiangling County.

Even if they cooperate with the Xiaoyao Sect to develop it, the Song family should still be able to receive quite a few spirit stones every year. Having such a stable income is truly a timely help for the Song family, which is currently short of spirit stones.

After determining the reserves of the Yin Fire Stone vein, Song Qingming, who had returned to Mount Funiu, immediately used a second-tier ten-thousand-mile sound transmission talisman to inform the Xiaoyao Sect and asked them to send people over to discuss how to mine this vein together.

Soon, Chen Xuanxin arrived at Mount Funiu with a letter from Sect Master Yao Ganshu and five or six Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"Junior Brother Song, before I came, Sect Master had already specifically instructed me on this matter. If you want to mine this vein alone, you can. The Sect's Merit Pavilion will send people to purchase all the ore uniformly, but you will need to concede a portion of the price, as the sect also needs to invest some costs to process these ores.

If Junior Brother Song is willing to cooperate with the sect to invest in mining the spirit mine, you and I can split the profits 60-40, and the Sect's Merit Pavilion can cash out all the mined ore for you at market prices!"

Among the many Jin Dan cultivators in the Xiaoyao Sect, Chen Xuanxin has a relatively straightforward personality. As soon as he saw Song Qingming, he went straight to the point and stated all the conditions offered by Yao Ganshu.

Song Qingming looked at the letter in Yao Ganshu's hand, pondered for a moment, and nodded, "Senior Brother Chen, my thought is still to follow the second plan.

However, as you know, I spent quite a few spirit stones when I went to the Wu Kingdom last time, and the family's current inventory of spirit stones is low. Can we invest less in the initial stage, and then deduct it from our annual income once the vein is operational? Do you think this is feasible?"

"Junior Brother Song is willing to cooperate with the sect to mine the vein, which shows you are a person who understands the big picture. I can make the decision to agree to your request. The sect will help you cover thirty thousand spirit stones for the initial investment, and it will be paid off in ten years after the vein is operational. Do you have any objections to this arrangement?"

"In that case, many thanks, Senior Brother Chen!"

Seeing that Chen Xuanxin agreed to his suggestion without a second word, Song Qingming felt a surge of joy and hurriedly stood up to cup his hands in salute.

"Junior Brother Song, there is no need to be so polite. Besides representing the sect to discuss the Yin Fire Stone vein with you, I also have a personal matter I would like to discuss with you. I hope you won't mind."

Hearing Chen Xuanxin suddenly say this, Song Qingming was somewhat surprised. He immediately sent a secret sound transmission to Song Yuanfang, who was standing nearby, telling him to dismiss everyone else in the council hall.

After only Song Qingming and himself were left in the council hall, Chen Xuanxin stroked his beard and asked directly, "Before I came, I heard that Junior Brother Song killed a Jin Dan Ghost King at the Yin Fire Stone vein. I wonder if you have obtained a ghost core?"

Hearing Chen Xuanxin suddenly ask about the ghost core, Song Qingming was also surprised. He nodded and said, "Senior Brother Chen is correct. After killing that Ghost King that day, I did indeed obtain a black inner core.

However, I have never seen this object elsewhere before and am not sure if it is truly a ghost core. Since Senior Brother Chen asked about it today, you must recognize it. I ask that you please help me take a look!"

After saying this, Song Qingming wiped his right hand across his waist and took out a red jade box. After opening it, a black sphere shimmering with spiritual light appeared before Chen Xuanxin's eyes.

"Indeed, I saw this object elsewhere many years ago. It is precisely the ghost core that only a Jin Dan Ghost King possesses." Seeing the black sphere in Song Qingming's hand, Chen Xuanxin immediately confirmed it in a low voice, his face showing a hint of joy that he could not conceal.

(End of chapter)