66: have no choice

Although Zhou Kaiding thought so, he did not immediately go to Xia Chuxue to inquire about the matter, deciding to wait a few more days.

Zhou Kaiding and Lin Muwan left the Family treasure vault, with Zhou Kaiding recounting recent events. He was both surprised and delighted to learn that the Zhou Family had acquired another Bintie (Wrought Iron) Ore Vein.

Thinking of Xu Hongyuan and the two others who had just become Guest Elders of the Zhou Family, he mused that they now had a place to prove their worth, but he was not in a hurry.

A month later, Xu Hongyuan and the two others found Zhou Kaiding together, looking somewhat uneasy.

"Family Head, we have been here for some time now, yet we have been of no use at all. Our hearts are truly restless."

"So, we wish to ask the Family Head to arrange some tasks for the three of us to do."

After the three saluted Zhou Kaiding, Xu Hongyuan stepped forward and respectfully addressed Zhou Kaiding.

The three had been on Jade Moon Peak for over a month, but apart from Zhou Liyue visiting them a few times, no one else had bothered them.

Furthermore, the Zhou Family provided Spirit Rice daily, and the Spiritual Qi on Jade Moon Peak was so abundant that the three felt they had already gained a considerable advantage.

If they did not make some contributions soon, they feared they would lose face and be unable to remain on Jade Moon Peak, forced to descend the mountain and temporarily stay at its base.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Kaiding couldn't help but shake his head slightly. He wasn't even in a hurry, yet the three had come to him first.

"The three Guest Elders need not be so. My original intention was for the three of you to rest here for some time before making arrangements."

"However, since you have come, it is indeed good timing."

Zhou Kaiding said gently to the three in front of him.

Hearing this, the three's eyes lit up. They exchanged glances and said in unison:

"Please instruct us, Family Head!"

Zhou Kaiding nodded and pointed out the location of the Bintie (Wrought Iron) Ore Vein.

"This ore vein needs someone to guard it. What do the three Guest Elders think?"

"Of course, this place is not entirely the same as Jade Moon Peak. If the three Guest Elders have any concerns, there's no need to force yourselves."

This Bintie (Wrought Iron) Ore Vein was already guarded by Cultivators from three families, so the Zhou Family didn't necessarily need to arrange more manpower.

However, since the Zhou Family received the greatest benefit from this ore vein, it was only right for them to show some initiative.

Moreover, although the three Family Heads might not necessarily deceive them, one could not predict human hearts; other Cultivators from the three families might have different ideas.

Therefore, Zhou Kaiding thought of sending the three to guard it for a period.

Xu Hongyuan and the two others all shook their heads, indicating no objections.

"Good!"

"Then it is settled."

Afterward, Zhou Kaiding explained the specific monthly provisions, including Spirit Stones, Spirit Rice, and Medicinal Pills, which varied for the three according to their specific tasks and cultivation Realm.

After giving his instructions, Zhou Kaiding thought to himself.

When the Family grows stronger in the future, he can establish a Contribution Hall to publish Family tasks there.

Different Ranks would be assigned based on the difficulty of the tasks, with different Ranks corresponding to different contribution values.

By accumulating contribution values, one could exchange them for various cultivation resources, including Cultivation Techniques, spell formulas, and even guidance from high-Realm Cultivators.

This way, with these incentives, many matters within the Family could be simplified, and he wouldn't have to personally handle everything.

Zhou Kaiding temporarily suppressed these thoughts. For now, such a system was not yet necessary.

Xu Hongyuan and the two others accepted their orders and left, each carrying a special Zhou Family token to signify their identity.

Seeing the three depart, Zhou Kaiding pondered. It was now time to seek information from Xia Chuxue.

However, Zhou Kaiding would not go himself; instead, he entrusted this task to Zhou Liyue, as the two were most familiar with each other.

When Zhou Liyue found Xia Chuxue, she discovered that she was with Zhou Lihai.

This was indeed strange. Zhou Liyue was puzzled. Judging by how the two had met before, why were they together again today?

"Third Sister, come quickly and see my treasure!"

Upon seeing Zhou Liyue, Zhou Lihai immediately cast Xia Chuxue aside and excitedly ran over, handing her an object he held.

"Isn't this just a flame stone?"

Zhou Liyue secretly wondered, what kind of treasure was this?

"Hehe..."

Seeing Zhou Liyue's confusion, Zhou Lihai didn't explain. With a slightly smug smile on his face, he infused it with the magical power of the Azure Flame Art and threw it towards an open space in the distance.

"Boom~"

The flame stone exploded, blasting a pit in the ground.

"Oh?"

Zhou Liyue's eyes lit up. This power was quite good among those in the Qi Condensation Early Stage. If more were thrown out at once, a Cultivator at the fourth level of Qi Condensation would suffer greatly if caught off guard.

Moreover, this was not entirely the same as a Talisman; it wasn't as complex as a Talisman.

"Is this why you asked me to buy flame stones?"

Zhou Liyue asked softly.

"Exactly."

"However, it can only achieve this much."

Zhou Lihai's tone held some regret. He had been experimenting for this period, but the power had never increased further, leaving him a bit unwilling.

"It's already quite good."

"Does it have a name?"

Zhou Liyue didn't think so. This flame stone wasn't precious; she just wondered about the difficulty of its creation.

"Cough~"

Seeing Zhou Liyue ask about the name of this disposable special Magical Artifact made from a flame stone, Zhou Lihai looked a bit awkward.

"I call it an explosive flame bomb..."

"Pfft."

At this moment, Xia Chuxue had also arrived beside the two. She had originally gone out for a stroll and met Zhou Lihai, who was experimenting here. Thus, she was invited over by Zhou Lihai.

Hearing the name Zhou Lihai uttered, she couldn't help but let out a light laugh.

However, seeing the two look at her simultaneously because of her laughter, she quickly waved her hands and said:

"I just think this name is a bit... unusual."

"Very descriptive!"

Xia Chuxue quickly added after speaking.

Although Zhou Liyue felt the same, she didn't show it on her face. After all, this was her younger brother's masterpiece, and he needed encouragement.

"In the future, when our Zhou Family members fight, they must first blast their opponents with explosive flame bombs, then seek an opportunity for a sneak attack. The chances of victory will surely greatly increase. Younger brother, you have rendered a great service to the Family!"

Zhou Liyue said with longing, making Zhou Lihai's eyes sparkle with excitement, seemingly eager to try blasting something again.

Zhou Liyue was startled and quickly stopped Zhou Lihai, who was reaching into his Storage Pouch for more explosive flame bombs.

If he kept blasting, it would all be Spirit Stones being spent!

Zhou Liyue didn't forget her purpose in coming to find Xia Chuxue. After sending Zhou Lihai aside to continue his research, she began to subtly inquire with Xia Chuxue.

Xia Chuxue and Zhou Liyue were already good friends, so she didn't think much of it and told her everything she knew.

However, after learning everything, Zhou Liyue felt no joy; one could say there were no clues at all.

Zhou Kaiding felt helpless after knowing this, but he had no other options for now and could only pay close attention in the future.

He hoped to find the remaining fragment before he turned sixty.