The miners were escorted out by the people brought by Liu Xingchen.
Jiang Hao followed Liu Xingchen out of the mine tunnel and arrived at the edge of the mining area, where the people from the Law Enforcement Hall were searching for more suspicious individuals.
"Many people from outside sects came, but Elder Bai Zhi contained them immediately and then encircled to eliminate them.
Some of them died, some escaped, and some were captured.
It was a great loss for them.
On our side, a part of the mining area was blown up, and they might have taken a few things too.
But this couldn't be helped," Liu Xingchen said, standing at the edge of the mining field, looking at a large crater below.
"In comparison, we've won a great victory.
But I wasn't aware of it at all. The sect secretly made plans, and I didn't know until they attacked.
Otherwise, I would have warned you, Junior Brother," Liu Xingchen said, glancing at Jiang Hao.
Jiang Hao looked at the deep pit below with some wonder; he couldn't see the bottom and didn't know what was down there, but a force was faintly emanating.
It was obvious that it wasn't simple.
It's clear that the Heavenly Sound Sect was prepared; otherwise, the entire mine could have been overturned.
But he was curious if there really was a treasure inside.
If confirmed, wouldn't the Vast Heaven Sect be interested?
Jiang Hao couldn't shake the feeling that the Heavenly Sound Sect having a mine was quite concerning, not to mention the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower.
He naturally nodded in thanks for Liu Xingchen's words.
However, he also took the opportunity to inquire about the reason for the attack on the mining area.
"It's said there's a treasure below, but I doubt it.
If there really was, why wouldn't the Sect Leader and elders take it?
Why leave it for others to snatch?
Most likely, they deliberately spread the news to lure surrounding sects into a trap.
Our Heavenly Sound Sect isn't that easy to deal with," Liu Xingchen laughed.
Hearing this, Jiang Hao gave an almost invisible nod. Yes, even that powerful woman knew about the rumor.
But someone as strong as her didn’t try to seize the treasure.
As long as the Heavenly Sound Sect didn’t fully excavate the area, it would continue to draw people.
After all, nobody knows if there’s a treasure inside, but those who believe would come to try their luck.
And for a powerhouse like the Vast Heaven Sect, there’s no reason to come and make a big fuss.
It's possible the news didn’t reach them, or perhaps they don’t care about the so-called treasure.
"The situation at the mine will take quite some time to resolve. You should be able to head back today," Liu Xingchen said.
"Today?" Jiang Hao was a little surprised.
I still want to mine.
With Yan Hua dead, the danger has greatly decreased, and continuing to mine might lead to reaching the late or even peak stage of the Gold Core.
Leaving now was truly disappointing.
"The spiritual energy here is chaotic and needs to be sealed off for a period. Staying is not an option," Liu Xingchen, unaware of Jiang Hao’s thoughts, continued:
"But another troublesome matter has arisen concerning Junior Brother. I need to give you a heads-up."
"Troublesome matter?" Jiang Hao stopped thinking about mining.
There would be opportunities in the future.
He also needed to go back to attend to the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, and he needed to buy some decent tea leaves before that woman arrived.
"Did Junior Brother do anything recently? Perhaps help capture an enemy?" Liu Xingchen asked earnestly.
"Yes, but it was just a small effort," Jiang Hao briefly explained the situation.
Hearing this, Liu Xingchen gave a bitter smile:
"Junior Brother, it was far more than a small effort. Most of the merit lies with you here.
In short, Junior Brother has once again achieved merit.
Not only that, but with the Chief Disciple, Barbarian Dragon, having considerable influence, he obtained the techniques and artifacts he wanted due to this merit.
He gave the remaining merit to you and spoke highly of you.
Normally, this would be a good thing for you, and the sect would give you significant rewards.
However, this brings pressure to us in the Law Enforcement Hall."
"Why?" Jiang Hao asked, puzzled.
"Do you remember that your name is on the watch list with me?" Liu Xingchen looked at Jiang Hao and spoke calmly:
"Under normal circumstances, if there are no results, we can keep you on the list for as long as we want.
As long as you have no objections, we won't feel any pressure in the Law Enforcement Hall. However, problems have arisen. You've achieved merit repeatedly, and this time the merit is considerable.
With Barbarian Dragon speaking for you, the list is not sustainable.
Otherwise, it would bring significant impact to the Law Enforcement Hall, as there is still no evidence of your betrayal.
Such substantial merit allows for the removal of your name from our lists.
So, do you know what happens once your name is removed from the watch list and suspicion list in the Law Enforcement Hall?"
Jiang Hao’s heart sank slightly, his expression shifting:
"The Law Enforcement Hall can no longer restrict my movements, and I can leave the sect at any time.
Once those at Heavenly Joy Pavilion make some arrangements in the next sect mission, I'd have to leave the sect.
Anything that happens outside, the Law Enforcement Hall won't intervene."
"It's good that Junior Brother understands," Liu Xingchen nodded and, without dragging things out, continued:
"Currently, there's a remedy to keep your name on the watch list.
Do you know Yan Hua, Junior Brother?"
"Elder Sister Yan?" Jiang Hao was surprised in his heart, but his expression remained neutral:
"I know; I’ve been under her care several times when she came here."
At this moment, a talisman flew up from below, and after reading it, Liu Xingchen continued:
"The news came just in time; Yan Hua has disappeared. According to investigations, it's suspected she’s most likely dead, although there’s a chance she faked her death to escape the sect.
And there’s a possibility she was a traitor, based on the information obtained from a newly captured traitor, but there’s no evidence as she's dead without corroboration."
"What does Senior Brother mean?" Jiang Hao cautiously asked.
He felt that Yan Hua's death might help him substantially.
"Do you know her last actions?" Liu Xingchen inquired.
"I heard she came looking for me," Jiang Hao said in a low voice.
"Are there any witnesses?"
"Yes."
"She met with you, right? She definitely did."
Jiang Hao looked at Liu Xingchen and then nodded, "Yes, we met."
"Good," Liu Xingchen said seriously:
"Junior Brother is now suspected of colluding with a sect traitor to leak the secret and location of the mining site. We hope you will cooperate with our Law Enforcement Hall for investigation.
Also, we hope you can truthfully reveal Yan Hua’s whereabouts. During the investigation, please cooperate and temporarily refrain from leaving the sect.
Otherwise, you will be considered guilty of sect betrayal."