Time flies, and it’s been three months since Lu Ping entered secluded cultivation.
The locust plague that appeared in Lushan County has now been completely subdued due to the joint efforts of many parties, returning the area to its former tranquility.
Seeing that his sister hasn’t emerged, Lu Yuanshan gathered the disciples and issued the remaining two "Doorway Affairs".
Ever since the sect transplanted back the Cyan Jade Bamboo, Zhang Nianchuan, Lin Han, She Qingqing, and Chu Qin assisted Lu Changfeng in defeating the Purple Spot Demon Wolf and helped with the transplantation, earning each of them a Cyan Bamboo Sword.
The four Cyan Bamboo Swords were further enhanced by Elder Zhiwei with fire-refined Essence Gold, upgrading them to Tier Two Lower Grade.
Now, seeing that the sect has more missions to be undertaken, the disciples are extremely enthusiastic about sect tasks.
The investigation of the pollution in Wu River was taken on by the three disciples: Zhao Ziliang, Liiu Shiyao, and Li Daoxuan.
The three did not delay for long. The day after accepting the task, they set out for the source of Wu River for investigation.
The river is the basic water source for the local residents, and people from the towns surrounding Wu River treat it as a treasure.
Although Wu River is small, just a little stream about eight zhang wide,
the pollution of its water source has greatly inconvenienced the life of the surrounding residents.
Zhao Ziliang and his companions frequently visited the areas around Wu River.
Upon learning that a pig farm opened at the source of Wu River the previous year, discharging waste water, pig feces, and other pollutants into the river, the three then visited the pig farm.
The pig farm covers a large area, reaching more than ten li, and raises wild fragrant pigs, totaling over 1,800 heads.
Such a scale of breeding produces a large amount of waste water and feces daily.
Since the pig farm was established by mortals without the involvement of Cultivators, upon realizing Zhao Ziliang and his companions’ intentions as sect cultivators, the farm owner dared not offend and respectfully received them, fearing Zhao Ziliang’s sword.
The gap between Cultivators and mortals is not merely the distinction between celestial and mortal.
Even if Zhao Ziliang were to truly strike down the owner, the local government would likely turn a blind eye and wouldn’t interfere.
Moreover, the pig farm was clearly at fault.
No matter how convenient it is for breeding, it shouldn’t discharge wastewater indiscriminately, polluting the Wu River.
Such an act is tantamount to inciting public outrage.
Thus, as soon as Zhao Ziliang and his companions appeared, after some negotiation, the pig farm ultimately conceded docilely.
They pledged to cease discharging wastewater into Wu River and would find other means, never to ruin the water source again.
"Start from today itself!"
Zhao Ziliang issued an ultimatum, jointly supervising with his two fellow sect members, resolving not to leave until the issue was addressed.
Following this incident, the pig farm finally became compliant, not daring to defy Zhao Ziliang and his companions’ orders, swiftly amending its ways.
At the source of Wu River, removing the discharge from the pig farm, the water source gradually returned to clarity, completing the trio’s task.
The difficulty of this Doorway Affairs task was not high, quite straightforward.
Once Zhao Ziliang and his companions returned to the sect to report back, six months later Lu Yuanshan received a Sound Transmission Talisman.
It was sent by Xuu Yi.
The information contained within this Talisman caused Lu Yuanshan great excitement.
The message was simple, indicating that Xuu Yi had discovered a Fire Source Stone vein inadvertently while traveling through the Cyan Mountain Range.
Fire Source Stone is one of the common fire attribute minerals.
Although its contained Spiritual Power falls short compared to Spirit Stones, it is an excellent cultivation resource for fire attribute Cultivators.
For a fire attribute Cultivator, a piece of Fire Source Stone and a Spirit Stone of the same size, the Fire Source Stone offers 20 to 30 percent more cultivation effect.
Of course, this effect is specific to fire attribute Cultivators.
The effect diminishes for Cultivators of other attributes.
However, Fire Source Stone isn’t solely used for cultivation.
It is also a widely used refining material suitable for crafting fire attribute Spiritual Artifacts of Tier One Middle Grade and above, such as the Fire Cloud Sword and Nanming Blazing Fire Array.
Successful mining of Fire Source Stone can bring Spirit Stone revenues to Cyan Mountain Sect while also creating a large batch of new Spiritual Artifacts.
It might even be used to cultivate fire attribute Spirit Worms, Demon Beasts, etc., with endless applications.
Lu Yuanshan knows very well that resources like ore veins possess enormous potential, value comparable to a Spirit Vein.
The role of Spirit Veins is mainly to supply cultivators for practice, plant Spirit Fields, and Spirit Medicine, enhancing their cultivation speed and fostering resources.
Ore veins primarily increase the wealth level of Cultivators.
For Cyan Mountain Sect, an ore vein is akin to a massive gold mine.
A successful acquisition of this Fire Source Stone vein can elevate sect economics, allowing the purchase of richer cultivation resources to nurture disciples, expanding the sect.
Because, as long as the purse is well filled, Spiritual Artifacts, Talismans, Elixirs, Arrays, and all sorts of cultivation resources become obtainable.
This ore vein must be secured without a doubt.
However, obtaining this ore vein won’t be simple.
Natural resources like ore veins are typically monopolized by major sects or major cultivation clans, leaving no room for small families or sects.
Even if a new ore vein is discovered, acquiring it smoothly may not be possible, potentially inviting trouble borne of envy.
To control an ore vein, one’s strength must be solid.
Upon learning the message, Lu Yuanshan was determined to obtain this Fire Source Stone vein.
Regardless if they can seize it, exploring is still worthwhile.
He immediately wished to visit the Cave Mansion to report this matter to Lu Ping.
Considering Xuu Yi’s character, Lu Yuanshan knew that Xuu Yi wouldn’t joke about such matters or act frivolously.
Yet, halfway there, Lu Yuanshan slapped his forehead, chiding himself for his lack of memory.
His father was still in secluded cultivation, not someone easily disturbed.
After some thought, Lu Yuanshan changed his path to summon Lu Changfeng, discussing the matter with him.
Lu Zhiwei was still in secluded cultivation, so it was inappropriate to disturb her.
Once learning that their disciples had discovered an ore vein, Lu Changfeng immediately showed great interest.
"The Cyan Mountain Range, just months ago, we were busy there and brought back plenty of Spirit Medicine and Spirit Fruits."
"That place is already sparsely populated and hidden with opportunities. Xuu Yi finding a Fire Source Stone vein there, that kid truly didn’t waste his time on this experience!"
Saying this, Lu Changfeng laughed to himself, unable to contain his excitement.
"Elder Brother, why wait? Allow me to explore the foundation of the ore vein."
Lu Yuanshan, upon hearing this, didn’t rush to answer but pondered for a moment before nodding: "Alright, the sect doesn’t have much on its plate. I’ll accompany you there."
After reaching a conclusion, Lu Yuanshan verified the address written on the Communication Talisman and responded to Xuu Yi, then set off with Lu Changfeng towards the Cyan Mountain Range.