262: Chapter 262 The Return of the Two Realms

After about half an incense stick's time, the two of them arrived below Broken Bone Cliff.

The cliff wall was incredibly steep, covered in dense bone marks and Yao Beast claw prints.

Wisps of spiritual light indeed seeped from the crevices; coming closer, one could feel rich spiritual power fluctuations and see red Ores scattered on the ground.

Ye Jing held one in his hand, and it felt heavy. Spiritual Qi surged along his fingertips into his Meridians. It was indeed genuine red copper spirit mine, which could not only be used to temper a Magical Artifact but was also a rare Materials for refining High Grade Medicinal Pills.

A look of surprise flashed in Ye Xuan's eyes as he crouched down to pick up a piece of spirit Ore: "Father, the Spiritual Qi in this Ore is so mellow; it's several times stronger than the ordinary spirit Ores we found before!"

This could be considered a blessing in disguise. On this trip, Ye Jing had obtained two Second-Order Demonic Beasts, several Spiritual Artifacts, and a spirit mine that seemed to have enormous potential.

"Father, do we need to call a few Retainers to begin mining?" Ye Xuan asked.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Jing said, "There's no rush for now. I'll have the Golden Erosion Insects scout here first, and we'll start mining once things have stabilized."

"Why is that, Father?" Ye Xuan asked in confusion. "We've already eliminated the Second-Order Demonic Beasts here, so why not take it directly?"

Previously, any spirit mines he found were directly incorporated into the Ye Family.

Ye Jing explained patiently, "Xuaner, you don't realize that although this place is remote, its location is somewhat awkward."

"Although it's ownerless land, it's sandwiched between the Ganglei Sect and the Lingxiao Sect. If we want to mine it completely, it will be extremely difficult. Don't forget that both of these Sect Masters are Golden Core Middle Stage experts."

"Even if Yun Ling came, he wouldn't dare to swallow it whole."

Thinking of this, Ye Jing continued, "But I heard that the Qingyun Sect has been short of spirit mines lately. Let's first have the Golden Erosion Insects secretly mine a batch of High Grade spirit Ores and hide them for our private use."

"Then we'll pick a batch of excellent quality ones and present them to the Qingyun Sect in the name of our Ye Clan. This will earn us a favor from the Sect Master. This place is a hot potato; the Qingyun Sect won't take it over, and neither can we."

Ye Xuan came to a sudden realization and nodded repeatedly. "Father's consideration is still more thorough; I was thinking too shallowly."

"But how long will the Golden Erosion Insect scouting take?"

"We can't stay here forever. If we are spotted by the mountain patrol Disciples of the two sects, it will inevitably lead to unnecessary complications."

"Half an incense stick's time is enough."

Ye Jing looked up at the sky. At this time, the sun was drifting west, and the light under the cliff was gradually dimming, which actually became the best cover.

"The Golden Erosion Insects are extremely fast at prospecting. If the Ore vein is deep, they will send back a signal. At that time, we'll leave a hidden Formation, mark the mine entrance, and return to the clan first to prepare storage Magical Artifacts. We'll come back quietly at night to take the Ore."

The father and son spoke no more and stood on either side of the cliff, holding their breath and focusing. They kept an eye on the surroundings while waiting for the Golden Erosion Insects to return.

The mountain wind howled in gusts, making the withered grass on the cliff wall rustle. The dense bone marks and claw prints looked even more hideous in the dim light, offering a faint glimpse of the tragic slaughter that had occurred here in the past.

However, the father and son remained calm, their eyes only on the spirit mine Opportunity before them.

Before long, three golden shadows darted out from the crevices of the cliff wall and landed in Ye Jing's palm. The insects' bodies were slightly reddish, and they held several small fragments of red copper spirit mine in their mouths. Their antennae moved rapidly, constantly transmitting excited signals.

Ye Jing closed his eyes and sensed for a moment. A relieved smile finally curled at the corners of his mouth. He looked at Ye Xuan and said in a deep voice, "Good news. This red copper spirit mine vein is far richer than imagined."

"It's a hundred zhang deep with incredible reserves. Moreover, there are higher purity spirit Ores deeper down, and there might even be other rare mineral species accompanying them!"

Hearing this, Ye Xuan's joy was beyond words. He gripped the spirit Ore in his hand and said repeatedly, "That's great! With such reserves, it's enough to significantly strengthen our Ye Clan. Even if we give a portion to the Qingyun Sect, we'll still make a fortune!"

"Don't make a scene."

Ye Jing quickly gestured for his son to lower his voice, promptly put the Golden Erosion Insects back into the jade box, and struck a Restriction to seal their aura.

"We shouldn't stay here long. Let's withdraw first, go back and prepare Cosmos Bags and Stealth Talismans, and return at midnight."

"Before then, remember not to reveal the secret of Broken Bone Cliff to anyone. Even if they are trusted members of the clan, you must keep your lips sealed to avoid leaking the news and ruining this Opportunity."

Ye Xuan nodded heavily, his expression becoming solemn. "Don't worry, Father. I won't say a single word."

Ye Jing delayed no further. He performed a Cultivation Technique and took Ye Xuan as they leaped away from the cliff. After a few bounds, they disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, leaving only the wisps of spiritual light among the cliff walls, still flowing quietly as if no one had ever been there.

After returning home.

Wu Guiyun paced anxiously at the door, waiting for her husband. She had known since early morning that something had happened to him.

But because the clan still needed to start the fires for Artifact Refining, she had endured her anxiety until she finished refining the Spiritual Artifacts before waiting for news in a panic.

As the sun sank in the west, two figures teleported to the front of the house. When they landed, it was indeed Ye Jing and Ye Xuan.

Seeing this, Wu Guiyun's eyes immediately turned red, and she ran forward with small steps: "Brother Xuan! Are you alright?!"

Ye Xuan quickly held his wife and comforted her softly, then said seriously: "Gui Yun, Father and I have already dealt with those two Second-Order Demon Kings out there. Although it was a close call, this matter is of great importance and shouldn't be discussed outside."

After saying that, he glanced at the servants passing by outside the courtyard, used his spiritual power to close the main door, and added an extra layer of a confidential isolation barrier.

Ye Xuan let go of Wu Guiyun. Only then did the panic in Wu Guiyun's heart subside a little. She said, "I heard from those Retainers that you were going to face Second-Order Demonic Beasts; I was also terrified."

"I've made you worry; it's my fault," Ye Xuan comforted her softly, wiping the moisture from the corners of her eyes with his finger, his tone suddenly becoming heavy.

"However, this danger actually led our Ye Family to stumble upon a massive Opportunity. Father has already confirmed that an excellent quality red copper spirit mine vein is hidden under Broken Bone Cliff, with reserves far exceeding ordinary veins."

Wu Guiyun was startled to hear this and instinctively covered her mouth to keep from crying out.

As the Ye Family's manager and an expert in the Dao of Artifact Refining, she naturally knew the preciousness of red copper spirit mine. Even ordinary small pieces of spirit Ore could greatly increase the clan's Artifact Refining efficiency.

If it were an entire vein, it would be enough for the Ye Family to leap from a small-to-medium cultivation Family to a prominent clan within a hundred miles.

Ye Jing sat in the main seat, tapping his fingers on the table, and said in a deep voice: "Gui Yun, this matter concerns the rise and fall of the Ye Family, and it also hides the danger of death."

"Red Copper Mountain is sandwiched between the Ganglei Sect and the Lingxiao Sect. This matter must not be spread to anyone outside the Ye Family."

He knew well the wickedness of human nature. In the cultivation world, incidents of stealing treasures and killing masters, or betraying one's clan for glory, were common. If news of the spirit mine leaked, let alone swallowing this Opportunity, the entire Ye Family might not even be able to save their lives.

Wu Guiyun instantly understood the stakes and quickly composed herself, curtsying as she said, "Don't worry, Father. I know the gravity of the situation. I will take today's matter to my grave and won't reveal a single bit. I will follow all your instructions."

"With you overseeing the home, I am at ease."

Ye Jing nodded slightly and then said, "Gui Yun, go to the warehouse and take out ten Medium Grade Stealth Talismans and two large-capacity Storage Pouches.

"Also, bring that Maze Formation Plate I've been keeping. Meet at the ancestral hall at the first quarter of the Hour of the Rat. Remember to travel light and don't alert anyone."