“An entire year!” Lu Zhiying’s eyes lit up in astonishment. “That’s amazing!”
“It is indeed amazing. Working in the mines, one can really go from rags to riches,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded. “However, do remember that things like that only happen to those who are blessed with extraordinary luck. It is best to just treat this as regular training of the mind and body.”
Unfortunately, Lu Zhiying appeared not to have heard him and simply kept looking at the rock in her hands.
“Thank you for your congratulations, fellow martial brothers and sisters,” Nie Hanchang clasped his fists towards the other disciples around. “As to your question on how I will be handling the grimiron ore, I have yet to decide on that, and would thus have to go back and think about it. I will take my leave for now!”
“Congratulations, Junior Martial Brother Nie!”
“Congratulations, Senior Martial Brother Nie!”
The disciples present continued to shower Nie Hanchang with their congratulatory messages as he left the tunnel, carrying the grimiron ore out with him on a pushcart.
“All right, we should get going t-” Zhao Yunxiao stopped short after seeing the dazed expression on Lu Zhiying’s face.
Is this little girl already dreaming of unrealistic riches?
“Remember, this is an extremely rare occasion. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever seen such a large piece of grimiron ore!” Zhao Yunxiao reminded.
“Mm, mm.”
Lu Zhiying nodded in response, but her distracted reaction was enough to let Zhao Yunxiao know that she had not taken his words to heart.
“Come, let’s go,” Zhao Yunxiao casually grabbed the rock in Lu Zhiying’s hand and turned around.
“Hey, my ore!” Lu Zhiying cried out in surprise.
“Finally back to your senses?” Zhao Yunxiao snickered while tossing the rock back to Lu Zhiying. “Here, catch.”
“Be careful!” Lu Zhiying complained as she carefully caught the rock.
“What’s the big deal about that small piece of rock? You won’t be able to get any sect points even if you turn it in,” Zhao Yunxiao laughed. “Let’s just go back to the Outer Disciples’ Quarters so you can get the rest that you so wanted.”
“So what if I can’t get any sect points from it?” Lu Zhiying retorted with a pout. “This is the first piece of ore that I have ever mined, and it shall mark my first step towards glory in the sect!”
“Yes, yes, follow closely and don’t get lost.”
“Can’t you give a less patronising response?” Lu Zhiying grumbled. “And are we leaving already? But I haven’t seen you do any work?”
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The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
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What are you thinking about?” Zhao Yunxiao shook his head in disapproval. “While going on such trips does widen one’s horizons and is useful for both satisfying one’s wanderlust and providing valuable learning experience, the amount of work involved more than makes up for it. It’s just that apart from leisure, going on such trips also increases visibility and allows for networking to pave roads for any future needs. If you look at it from that perspective, the benefits definitely outweigh the costs.”
“Hmm, is that why everyone is here?” Lu Zhiying rubbed her chin in contemplation.
“Well, maybe some of them are here solely for the travelling experience, but that is a myopic way to view such a precious opportunity,” Zhao Yunxiao replied. “I’m going in then. Be good and wait for me outside.”
“How about I go in too?” Lu Zhiying asked. “I’m a member of the Black Tortoise Sect too. Can I go for the interview as well?”
“Unfortunately for you, registrations have already closed,” Zhao Yunxiao said with a smirk. “Try again next time!”
“Fine...” Lu Zhiying could only stand there sulkingly and send off Zhao Yunxiao with her eyes.
Zhao Yunxiao could not help but smile after seeing Lu Zhiying’s sulking face.
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His words did not result in anyone stepping out. On the other hand, it only caused them to firm their resolve further.
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The grass around him was even slightly taller than he was, swaying under the pull of strong winds to create a beautiful scenery, one that was painted in gold under the blazing sun above.
He had been pulled into an illusion.
Then again, this was to be expected.
After all, the Myriad Fields Pagoda was a place known to be packed with illusion arrays.
Just the fact that they were holding the interview here was enough of a warning, letting everyone know that they would likely have to go through an illusion this time.
Grr-!
The tall grass in front of Zhao Yunxiao parted slightly, and a large figure appeared before him.
It was a beast that resembled a green fox, only that it had three tails instead of one. Its bright red eyes had their gaze fixed upon Zhao Yunxiao as it bared its fangs in menace.
A fox demon.