Situ Jian shook his head. "I've stopped setting the traps. Here's where I hope readers remember our domain name." His words surprised the others.
Though grouped together, it was only after a few days of pretending to get acquainted did they start setting up small things around them for disguise.
Even if noticed, it wasn't a big deal since they all possessed cultivation; setting up these things was perfectly normal.
"Why did you stop?" Bei Xue of the Falling Sunset Sect inquired.
"I did set them up at first," sighed Situ Jian. "But after meeting that Jiang Hao, I stopped setting anything further."
"Is he that dangerous?" asked Shangguan Wen.
"He shouldn't be. I've watched him for a long time; he doesn't seem that dangerous or powerful. He noticed my small actions, but if he hadn't, he'd be quite ordinary," Jing Ru expressed his surprise.
"I trust my instincts. He might be like what you all say, but I feel he's very dangerous. Doing anything under his watchful eyes is likely to backfire. So I stopped any small actions, in case he notices." Situ Jian continued.
"And haven't you noticed?" he addressed the others. "He's always the last to leave. Every step he takes seems to inspect the ground. I suspect he's looking for evidence of our actions. You all should be cautious too."
"Aren't you being too sensitive?" Jing Ru asked.
"Perhaps, but it's better to be safe," Situ Jian responded with a laugh. "Right now, we just have to wait for the locator to work. What we've set up already is enough; no need to take risks. Have we found a way out yet?"
"Yes," Bei Xue nodded. "I've found a path out of the mine. We just need to take people and leave when the time comes. The rest isn't our concern. I suspect the seniors attacking the Heavenly Sound Sect's mine have other motives."
"I feel the same way," Situ Jian said, casually reclining on the bed, "Have you all found the people you want to rescue? Remember to notify them. Don't waste too much time."
"When the plan starts, Jiang Hao might pursue us. Should we kill him?" asked Shangguan Wen.
"My advice is, as long as he doesn't hinder us, let's not make him an enemy," Situ Jian said earnestly.
Shangguan Wen looked at Bei Xue and Jing Ru.
"If he's truly capable, he might ruin our plans," Jing Ru said.
"Keep the big picture in mind. Act as necessary," Bei Xue suggested.
"Honestly, killing him probably wouldn't take more than one move," Shangguan Wen considered for a moment and continued, "I've observed him. In terms of strength, cultivation, and spirit, he doesn't stand out. Killing him should be easy."
"Don't rush. Let's observe for a few more days, and see how things unfold. The Heavenly Sound Sect will be keeping an eye on us too. It's not as simple as it seems," Situ Jian opposed.
The others said nothing further, agreeing to wait a few more days.
Over the following days, Jiang Hao kept mining. Each time he saw Yan Hua, he could feel the fiery desire hidden in her gaze, as if she wished to make him her plaything overnight. Jiang Hao wasn't bothered by it.
He was waiting for an opportunity too. If not for the concern of being suspected by Liu Xingchen again, he would have approached Yan Hua days ago.
It had been five days since his promotion, meaning the Profound Heaven Sect people were soon to arrive. But he was still seven days away from advancing, which was a bit tight on time.
As he considered checking his status panel, he suddenly heard a sound from the ore as if something was emerging.
He quickly turned to the miners nearby, "Back away, quickly."
The miners appeared confused at first, but the three who regularly mined reacted and immediately retreated.
At that moment, a massive serpent-like beast broke out of the rock. With it came falling debris and a powerful force — it was the Rock-Boring Serpent. Caught unprepared, some rocks fell on the dazed miners, causing others to retreat worriedly.
The serpent opened its jaws, poised to swallow those pinned by the debris.
The supervising cultivator at the Qi Refining ninth level was about to attack when suddenly, moonlight flashed.
Before the crushed miners could even despair, they saw the serpent's head fall to the ground.
More moonlight slashed down, slicing the serpent into several pieces.
In an instant, the mid-Foundation Establishment beast was slain, leaving everyone astonished by the speed of the event.
Wu Jing stared incredulously at Jiang Hao, who was now sheathing his sword. He was well aware of the havoc the Rock-Boring Serpent could wreak, often causing chaos.
Its attacks weren't particularly strong, but its defense could render inner disciples helpless. Yet, here it was, slain in one slash.
The miners began to look at Jiang Hao with newfound respect and awe. This manager was indeed formidable.
Situ Jian watched Jiang Hao and decided it was best to avoid confronting him in the future. It was just a gut feeling.
Among the crushed, there were three people — two men and one woman. Jiang Hao examined them: one man was unharmed, another had a serious leg injury, and the woman's arm was hurt.
The woman, wearing attire from another sect, was quite attractive. The injured man seemed to be a longtime miner, clutching his leg in pain, his face a mask of despair.
Jiang Hao took out a Pain-Relief Talisman and tossed it onto the woman's arm. Instantly, her pain eased, and she looked around with smug satisfaction, feeling superior even as a captive.
Seeing this, the injured man kept his head down, not daring to speak.
Jiang Hao nudged him and said, "Open your mouth."
The man, confused, opened his mouth absentmindedly, and a pill was immediately popped into it, forcing him to swallow.
Suddenly, blood qi surged within him, healing his leg and even boosting his cultivation.
"What is this?" he exclaimed in shock.
"Sit and rest, then continue mining," Jiang Hao said expressionlessly, turning to leave.
However, the woman grabbed him, speaking with a pampered indignation, "That was a Qi Stabilizing Pill? I got hurt too, so why don't I get one?"
Jiang Hao was momentarily taken aback, finding it a bit unbelievable.