CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32 GUO ZHAO_1

Spirit Banned Cover.

Shen Mo took out a transparent, cover-shaped artifact from his bosom. As its name suggested, the artifact’s greatest effect was to prevent the overflow of Mana.

"Indeed, the effect is not bad. It didn’t waste my two Spirit Stones!"

He placed the Spirit Banned Cover on the table, completely enclosing the Purple Sun Red Fruit, which was nestled in spiritual soil.

Soon, the constantly overflowing Spiritual Qi vanished without a trace.

"With this, I can leave with peace of mind," Shen Mo murmured, a smile touching his lips.

***

「Riverside Sect, the sect’s main gate square.」

According to the agreed time, Shen Mo soon arrived near the Forge Hall.

"Not bad, you’re not late." When Chen Mengze saw Shen Mo arrive, a smile appeared on her face.

"Let me introduce you." She pointed to a robust man with a simple and honest look beside her, saying, "This is Senior Brother Guo Zhao. Like me, he is also an inner disciple.

"His background is quite formidable; he hails from a prominent clan. His younger brother, Guo Xun, is a Direct Disciple of our Riverside Sect. This time, we managed to get this task of guarding the mine area all thanks to Senior Brother Guo’s influence."

"Greetings, Senior Brother Guo." Shen Mo quickly bowed in salute after listening.

However, Guo Zhao didn’t return the courtesy. Instead, he looked at Chen Mengze with surprise. "Shouldn’t... it only be the two of us? Why..."

"I apologize, Senior Brother Guo. I forgot to mention it to you in advance," Chen Mengze explained. "This is Shen Mo, Junior Brother Shen, my good friend. His late parents were of great service to my father, so my father asked me to look after him.

"I thought this mission was suitable, so I took the liberty of inviting him along."

"But..." Guo Zhao looked troubled. "The reward for guarding the mine area is only two shares. How can we divide it among three people?"

"Senior Brother Guo, please rest assured about that," Chen Mengze said seriously. "Since I invited him, I will naturally cover his reward. Guarding the mining area for one month yields one hundred Spirit Stones. We’ll split it fifty-fifty as agreed. Your share won’t be affected in any way."

Listening to Chen Mengze’s watertight explanation, Guo Zhao felt no relief. Instead, an indescribable bitterness welled up within him.

A month ago, he had met Chen Mengze in Cloud Sky City and had fallen in love with her at first sight. He had specifically asked his influential younger brother, a man of high standing in the Riverside Sect, to help him secure this task of guarding the mining area. Inviting her along was to create an opportunity for them to be alone and hopefully deepen their relationship. This sudden addition of another person threatened to completely ruin his original plan.

"I was indeed a bit abrupt in adding him," Chen Mengze said, her beautiful eyes fixed on Guo Zhao’s troubled face. "If Senior Brother Guo is unwilling, then let’s forget about this mine-guarding assignment. I’ll take him to gain experience elsewhere."

"Not abrupt, not abrupt at all! Having one more person is no problem." Hearing that Junior Sister Chen wouldn’t go if he didn’t agree to Shen Mo’s presence, Guo Zhao quickly said it was fine. Three people traveling together was better than Chen Mengze not going at all.

"Then thank you very much, Senior Brother Guo," Chen Mengze said with a sweet smile.

Listening to their conversation, Shen Mo finally understood the situation.

So Chen Mengze didn’t invite me because she wanted to do me a favor. Instead... she dragged me along to be a third wheel!

Although Guo Zhao hasn’t said anything, I can see his intentions clearly. And it’s obvious Chen Mengze isn’t interested in him. Guo Zhao arranged this mission to get closer to her. While she might not want to be alone with him, she probably found the reward too good to pass up. So, she thought of me, inviting me along to defuse the awkwardness.

In a flash, he pieced together the whole scenario. Though I can’t confirm it, I’m pretty sure I’m eighty to ninety percent correct. No wonder such a good mission fell into my lap. This is like pushing me into a fiery pit! If he’s the jealous type, won’t he end up hating me for this?

He had heard that Senior Brother Guo had a strong background. If he ends up hating me, I’ll be in big trouble!

Anxiety began to creep into Shen Mo at this thought.

"Junior Brother Shen, right?" Fortunately, this Senior Brother Guo didn’t seem like an arrogant, domineering scion of a wealthy family. He smiled at Shen Mo and spoke kindly, "For the next two months, we’ll be living and eating together in the mining area. Let’s look out for each other."

"Yes, please look after me as well, Senior Brother Guo," Shen Mo nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

After a brief exchange, the group, led by Guo Zhao, set off for the Dark Crystal Mine.

***

As one of the major sects in the Red Flame Country, the Riverside Sect possessed extensive properties scattered throughout the land. The Dark Crystal Mine they were heading to was one such property.

This mine was located more than two hundred li south of the sect, beside the Lancang River.

"Hold on tight, don’t fall off," Chen Mengze said as she summoned her Flying Sword, taking Shen Mo with her as they soared through the air.

Cultivators at the Qi Gathering Realm could fly for short durations, though they typically required the aid of artifacts. Upon reaching the Spirit Sea Realm, however, they could soar through the air without relying on external objects.

Since Shen Mo had not yet broken through to the Qi Gathering Realm, he had to ride with Chen Mengze.

During his first flight, Shen Mo felt intensely nervous as he looked down at the misty earth and the mountains and rivers below.

What a spectacle!

Flying high above and gazing down upon the earth, it felt as if all creation lay beneath his eyes. This vista fascinated Shen Mo, making the journey feel far less tedious than expected.

Approximately two hours later, the group arrived at their destination. This speed was nearly double what he could achieve by using a Lightness Talisman and exerting his full effort with Thunderclap Rapid Step.

The group dismounted from the Flying Sword and walked to the entrance of the mining area. Here, a cave mansion was established specifically for the guards on duty.

"Senior Brothers, it’s time to relieve you of your duties," Guo Zhao called out as he approached the cave mansion, sending out his divine sense.

Shortly after, two Riverside Sect disciples, who had previously been assigned to guard duty here, emerged.

"This is the sect token. Please inspect it, Senior Brothers," Guo Zhao said, handing over the token that signified their sect-appointed task.

The two inner sect senior brothers briefly examined it, confirmed its authenticity, and quickly completed the handover.

"Our two-month term has concluded. We must return to the sect."

"Starting today, the duties of patrolling and guarding will be handled by these three."

They gathered the miners and instructed them, "All of you, take note. If you encounter any trouble while mining, you can come to the cave mansion to seek their assistance."

"We will bear this in mind," the miners nodded repeatedly, indicating they understood.

The majority of the miners in the Dark Crystal Mine were from collateral branches of Cultivating Families subservient to the Riverside Sect. They toiled year-round in the Dark Crystal Mine, contributing their sweat and blood to the Riverside Sect.

This was arduous work. They toiled year-round without seeing sunlight. Furthermore, due to the dense metallic Spiritual Qi within the mine, long-term exposure often led to a shortened lifespan and various illnesses. If they were unlucky enough to encounter an Illusory Stone Spirit in the mine tunnels, and the guarding Immortal Master couldn’t reach them in time to rescue them, it was not uncommon for them to die on the spot.