Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Mine Accident, Black Cat Returns
The Space Mechanism Gate was placed by him over on a piece of vacant land, and it was fenced around with a barrier.
Then he communicated with the Spirit Vein Willow, confirming that it could extend its branches into the portal, which reassured him.
The Golden Horned Ants, already accustomed to cooperation with the Spirit Vein Willow, naturally "rode" the branches extending into the portal and entered the mine.
Li Ye followed behind, watching the expanded colony of Golden Horned Ants start pruning the willow branches to search for minerals within the rock walls, eyes full of anticipation.
Though it might be a bit exaggerated to let such a nest of Golden Horned Ants excavate a mine so large.
But his original intention was just to let the Golden Horned Ant evolve, and the profit from the minerals was not his main concern.
Compared to the small current gains, he was more invested in future development.
When the Golden Horned Ants got accustomed to excavating and the colony expanded again, that would be the time for the true harvest.
"This isn’t much different from planting Spirit Plants."
"You have to patiently wait for them to take root and sprout."
"I just hope they won’t let me down."
He glanced at the busy Golden Horned Ants and started heading deeper into the mine.
However, the further he went, the stranger his expression became.
He found himself unexpectedly unable to locate the marks he had left behind — the Flint Fire infused with spiritual power should still have been burning.
Yet, after searching extensively, he couldn’t find it, as if it mysteriously disappeared.
This changed Li Ye’s expression from strange to somber.
It wasn’t because he was upset about losing the Earth Fat Fragrant Ore but because this situation indicated unforeseen and even unknown changes had occurred.
Compared to obvious threats like the Limestone Ghost, this worried him more.
After all, who knows if there might be some accident with the mine vein, like a collapse or something.
He decided to seek professional help immediately.
He summoned Zhao He, gave him the Jade Pendant from his Taoist Robe, and sent him to the Four Seasons Sect shop to find Senior Brother Shu for assistance.
Meanwhile, he took the Spirit Vein Willow and the Golden Horned Ants out.
Soon, Senior Brother Shu hurriedly arrived with Zhao He.
Concerned about potential changes in the mine vein, Senior Brother Shu wore a solemn expression.
He sniffed around in the mine, even occasionally using the Earth Escape Technique to burrow into the mine wall for examination.
Finally, stroking his beard, he said to Li Ye, "It’s likely due to the Earthquake Worm. Junior Brother, be sure not to venture deep into the mine these days, only stay in the shallow layers.
I will personally go to the Mo Family to discuss solutions."
"I’ll explain in detail to you after I return."
"Pardon me for leaving so abruptly."
He came and went swiftly, leaving with a grave expression.
Seeing him like this, Li Ye felt some concern, but thankfully he didn’t plan on venturing inside and taking risks.
He only allowed the Golden Horned Ants to dig in the shallow layers, and with the earth-attributed Spirit Plant, the Spirit Vein Willow, overseeing things, there shouldn’t be any issues.
There’s nothing to regret; gaining is my fortune, losing is my fate.
Fortunately, he had already excavated some of the Earth Fat Fragrant Ore, so it wasn’t a major loss.
...
The next day.
A cultivator wearing a Four Seasons Sect Taoist Robe came to visit.
"Junior Brother Li."
"I’m Qian Fang, a cultivator from the sect’s Heavenly Craft Hall."
After a brief self-introduction, he took a small piece of amber out of his Storage Ring.
Inside, there seemed to be a luxuriant tree with some faintly visible shimmering silkworm eggs.
"This is Junior Brother Li’s summer task— the Bright Shining Spirit Mulberry and Qingsui Silkworm. Take a look, there’s no issue with Senior Song’s seal."
This Senior Brother Qian Fang did things in a very meticulous manner.
Fortunately, Su Ya previously mentioned that this amber seal was to ensure that the Spirit Plant and Spirit Beast wouldn’t have issues during transportation.
He knew what needed to be done.
After inspection, he nodded: "Indeed without damage."
Upon hearing this, Qian Fang was relieved and handed the amber to Li Ye.
The stern expression on his face instantly melted away, and he smiled:
"Afterwards, several junior brothers and I will be helping cultivators with Artifact Refining in the marketplace. If Junior Brother Li needs, you can seek me anytime.
Oh, and later, I’ll also be collecting the silkworm threads."
The change in expression was indeed quick.
"If I need anything, I will certainly visit," Li Ye replied with a smile.
"Very well, I’ll take my leave. We’ll meet again someday!"
He waved and turned to leave.
After he left, Li Ye took the amber containing the Bright Shining Spirit Mulberry and Qingsui Silkworm into the inner courtyard, infused his spiritual power into it, and then placed it on the ground.
The amber slowly dissolved.
A very radiant, lush mulberry tree, like a golden crystal sculpture, began expanding, with its roots deeply embedded into the earth. In just moments, it grew to a height of over three people.
The mulberry leaves were also very peculiar, shaped like hearts.
Each leaf, swaying in the wind, emitted a bright golden glow, clearly revealing the silkworm eggs encapsulated within.
"Meow?"
While Li Ye was admiring them, the long-unseen Locust Spirit Scroll suddenly unfurled, and a pitch-black cat lightly leaped onto Li Ye’s shoulder.
It extended its barbed tongue and gently licked Li Ye’s cheek, the slight pricking sensation waking him up instantly.
"Profound Cat Senior?" Li Ye was very surprised by the sudden appearance of this esteemed figure.
"Meow meow~"
The black cat pointed its paw at the mulberry tree, then summoned the Locust Spirit Scroll, which flipped open with a rustle.
It gestured for Li Ye to take a look.
Li Ye focused his gaze on the densely written page.
Surprisingly, it was a Magic!
It was magic that could be used in conjunction with the Life Breath Spirit Transformation Scroll.
Called "Winding Silk as Root."
"Feeding the silkworms with ink and water, after they transform into moths, they can live a bit longer, and spin out another round of silk; these silks can help extend the Spirit Plant’s roots?"
Li Ye blinked, feeling incredulous.
The silk could help the Spirit Plant extend its roots? It even managed functions of roots. This magic was almost too miraculous.
"Meow!" The black cat shook its head, pressing its paw in the blank area after the spell.
Some hidden notes instantly appeared above, and as Li Ye read them carefully, his expression grew more bewildered.
There was another spell behind it, mixing collected ink with Spirit Stones and some special materials to create an unusual ink.
Called "Life Spirit Ink."
Feeding this Life Spirit Ink to the Spiritual Silkworms, after their second spinning and cocooning, they might lay special silkworm eggs, which could potentially hatch Ink and Water Spirit Silkworms.
These Ink and Water Spirit Silkworms specialize in spinning the silks required for the "Winding Silk as Root" spell.
However, this method required a great many Spirit Stones, a single tael of ink needing at least three thousand Spirit Stones, along with other rare materials.
"..."
"Why didn’t Senior tell me about this method earlier? Is it because I’ve now acquired the mulberry tree and silkworm?"
The black cat shook its head and meowed.
"Ah."
Li Ye’s expression grew even more perturbed—it meant Li Ye probably had enough financial ability now to research this magic; before this he was a bit too impoverished.
Am I still considered impoverished? I suppose, relatively speaking, it’s true?