Jiang Hao couldn't be bothered about what others thought, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care. With that, he continued his relentless mining, showing more diligence than anyone else.
Never resting, aside from a brief moment in the afternoon when a rock forced him to swing his blade, he wasn't distracted at all.
As night approached, Jiang Hao reluctantly put away his pickaxe, taking a lingering glance at the mine tunnel. Today's progress surpassed any of his previous efforts.
The others in the mine let out a sigh of relief, content with the prospect of a full meal and the chance to continue their cultivation at night.
Many in the mine wished to rise above their current status. A higher cultivation level meant becoming a supervisor, just like Wu Jing. Without making mistakes, one could be promoted to an inner disciple.
Prisoners, however, were cycled back into the Lawless Heaven Tower after breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, endlessly mining in a vicious loop. Leaving by one's own strength was nigh impossible. But in times of chaos, escaping was not out of the question. As long as Heavenly Sound Sect wasn't preoccupied, escape was a possibility.
Jiang Hao glanced at Situ Jian and his group—at this moment, the rather inconspicuous Shangguan Wen exchanged a look with him.
Jiang Hao felt a twinge of surprise at Shangguan Wen's perceptiveness. Despite his internal and external pressures, he knew he must hurry to advance his cultivation.
After a whole day of mining, he accumulated nine cultivation bubbles and eight blood qi bubbles. Several white and green bubbles also appeared. Though seemingly few, compared to before, these numbers were unimaginable. Even possessing the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower hadn't granted him this much in a single day.
"If things go smoothly, in four days, I might attempt a breakthrough," Jiang Hao pondered, not wanting any issues in those four days.
Leaving the mine, Yan Hua approached with a smile. "I heard Junior Brother’s been helping with mining?"
"Just lending a hand when I'm free, to repay Senior Sister's aid," Jiang Hao replied, bowing his head in gratitude.
Jiang Hao wasn't fond of Wei Lie, but he preferred seeking his aid to mining solutions, at least Wei Lie bore no ill will towards him. Yan Hua was different; she seemed eager for chaos, possibly hoping Situ Jian and others would stir up trouble. Yet, Jiang Hao's brisk mining pace also benefited her.
"Take care, Junior Brother. Tomorrow, why not bring some people into the sixth tunnel?" Yan Hua warmly suggested.
"Alright." Jiang Hao nodded, exchanging a few more words before turning to leave.
Tonight, Jiang Hao planned to observe his surroundings. However, he continually felt someone's eyes on him, as if someone had already claimed victory over him.
He wandered, examining various people. Thus far, none proved noteworthy. Members from various sects suffered here but held onto hope, confident their sects would come to the rescue. Some, facing environmental difficulties, vented their frustrations at fellow miners. Jiang Hao, unfazed, moved on.
The Law Enforcement Hall rarely interfered here; the mine overseers only cared that mining continued. Along his path, Jiang Hao saw several patrols comprised of cultivators with considerably high levels.
The next day, Jiang Hao resumed mining with unmatched fervor, leaving everyone curious about how long this inner disciple would persist.
Of note was the appraisal of Situ Jian:
[Situ Jian: True Disciple of Profound Heaven Sect, mid Golden Core stage, extraordinarily gifted. Using a Heaven-Stealing and Sun-Swapping Artifact to bypass the absorbing power of the Lawless Heaven without detection, his cultivation is sealed with a Spirit-Sealing Talisman. He's lurking in the Heavenly Sound Sect’s mine, waiting for two talismans to pinpoint his location before unleashing his sealed cultivation to rescue fellow disciples and sabotage the mine. During mining, a series of untraceable runes have been left behind, waiting for the right moment. He's curious about your mining activities.]
The appraisal was unexpected. It appeared that what seemed like a discovery with Jing Ru was part of a larger plan. Her behavior might have been an act, making Jiang Hao's "discovery" merely a piece of their scheme.
What if someone destroys or confiscates their talismans? Or is there aid from within?
The answers awaited tomorrow's appraisal of Jing Ru. As for Situ Jian’s runes, Jiang Hao planned to search for any signs. If found, he would report them. If not, he would have no choice but to proceed.
He mined with all his might, intent on growing stronger before any potential disruptions. Bubbles continuously emerged, shining in white, green, and blue.
The sheer number was astonishing.
[Strength +1]
[Strength +1]
[Cultivation +1]
[Blood Qi +1]
[Spirit +1]
[Blood Qi Pill +1]
This sensation of growing stronger resonated deeply with Jiang Hao, his strength incrementally increasing, his spirit gradually expanding.
Mining here for a hundred years could turn him formidable.
By day's end, excluding white and green bubbles, Jiang Hao collected twenty blue bubbles, split evenly between blood qi and cultivation.
"Nearly there, just a few more days."
Upon exiting the mine, Jiang Hao inspected the ground but found nothing.
Were Situ Jian's runes that well-hidden? As a fellow Golden Core cultivator, having learned the Nameless Secret Manual, any fluctuations should be detectable.
Yet, no evidence surfaced.
Thus, pretending ignorance, he focused on mining, awaiting his breakthrough. Today’s progress exceeded expectations by twenty percent.
The other miners were jubilant, anticipating another hearty meal tonight.
The following day, Jiang Hao appraised Jing Ru.