Chapter 646

Chapter 646: The Newcomer’s First Blaze

The next day, a new Li residence appeared by the scenic Fragrant Lake in Sanjiu City. Although it was a bit far from the city’s regulatory office and away from the bustling areas, its tranquility offered a sense of peace and comfort.

Bai Xiaolu felt like she was in a dream, as she now lived in a six-court mansion that featured pavilions and rockeries. Situated by the lake and built with exquisite materials, this residence was not cheap; it cost two hundred thousand iron frost coins issued by the city’s regulatory office.

Li Hui learned about the existence of iron frost coins only after arriving in Sanjiu City. The back of the coins bore the inscription "da qian" (meaning "big coin" in Chinese), but in fact, an iron frost coin was smaller than a flying light coin. However, one iron frost coin was equivalent to a thousand flying light coins due to the different materials used.

Iron frost coins were made from iron frost gold, a metal that was unique to the Extreme Huan Continent, infused with a faint hint of frozen time. These coins did not become damaged and remained as pristine as the day they were minted.

“Ah! Iron frost coins are truly wonderful. As an outsider, I actually have the idea of becoming a miner," Li Hui thought as he settled Xiaolu in. Unlike other practitioners, he had a particularly high demand for various rare treasures. Some items were not considered treasures but could serve as materials for talisman-making, and he wanted to hold onto everything he could.

Iron frost coins could themselves be used as materials for talisman-making. If he didn’t raise his time talismans to the highest level while on the Extreme Huan Continent, it would be a wasted trip!

Time-related talismans such as the Slightly Fleeting Talisman, Day and Moon Talisman, Everlasting Green Mountain Talisman, Urgent Talisman, Time Aflame Talisman, and Instant Reset Talisman were extremely difficult to produce outside the continent, but could easily be forged in stacks on the Extreme Huan Continent. Even without unlocking the mysteries of the continent, these talismans alone might solve the issue of the Time Claws on Wan Nest Island.

Li Hui wanted to change his profession to become a mine owner, as only by becoming a mine owner could he fully control the mine. With a hundred Ghost Emperors mining and surveying, they were on par with top miners, and without carrying any shares, where could he find such a good deal?

However, every mine in Sanjiu City was tremendous, requiring one hundred level one mine owners, twelve level two mine owners, and four level three mine owners to manage the miners, reaching a total mine owner level of four.

After inquiring around, he learned that in Sanjiu City, twenty-seven mines had total owners who reached level five and five mines had total owners at level six.

It felt as if these mines were like sects, issuing orders clearly, with a strict hierarchy.

Li Hui realized that he had oversimplified these mines; the largest mine in Sanjiu City was named Xieju, and its total owner reached level seven, commanding countless other owners. It resembled an elite family dynasty, having its own system that even the city’s regulatory office could not casually interfere with.

Level twenty miners only represented the beginning; level twenty-one and twenty-two were not uncommon. However, most miners found themselves stalled at the transition point to becoming mine owners, which wasn’t easy unless their shares were significantly high. Otherwise, they needed endorsements from the city’s regulatory office or to complete several daunting tasks before being able to transition.

Thus, in a place like Sanjiu City, to gain control over a mine, one would at least need to become a level four mine owner, which was exceptionally difficult.

“Are you the Li Hui who recently moved his residency? ” A level two mine owner with a deep red iron mask looked at the newly arrived level twenty miner before him, finding nothing special about him. Young high-ranking miners were not uncommon in his experience; it only mattered if their families had connections to obtain shares. However, once someone reached level twenty, promotion became tricky. The investment was substantial, and most families could not afford it, especially with many children involved.

“I am Li Hui. I want to become a mine owner as soon as possible, so you’ll need to cooperate.”

“What did you say?” The level two mine owner became furious, and many miners gathered around him, holding mining tools. They had already formed a surrounding stance ten moments ago.

“Hahaha, isn’t this obvious?” Li Hui laughed loudly, “If you want to surround me, you’ll either give me a good beating or throw me quietly into the mine claiming it was an accident. Tsk tsk, the person who wants to make you do such things won’t think I’m kind-hearted, will they?”

“Crack, crack, crack…”

“Ouch, that hurts!”

“Ah, my arm! It’s killing me!”

All the miners fell to the ground, their right arms twisted beyond recognition.

The mine owner thought his strength and cultivation would easily overpower a brat, but it resulted in twisted arms, and his feet were now pinned to the ground by a stork beak chisel, causing him to cry out in pain.

Li Hui tapped the mine owner’s iron mask and said coldly, “Who told you to oppose me? You better find someone to reimburse your medical expenses. You should check; I got to Sanjiu City because I was a mine tyrant back in the small city. By the way, my previous mine tyrant was the son of a mine owner. I didn’t expect the mines in Sanjiu City to be much worse than those in the small city. Hehe, the darker it is, the quicker I can become a mine owner.”

“Bastard…” the mine owner cursed. He was the local overlord; how could he let a young brat suppress him?

With a ‘bang’, Li Hui kicked this clueless fool over the railing of the mine, letting him scream in terror as he fell into the deep well.

“With such power and vision, how did this guy become a level two mine owner? From today onward, this place will be under my control. No objections?”

“No objections, we have no objections.”

What a joke; this guy was a madman who even dared to kick a mine owner. Wouldn’t he meet the same fate if he went against him?

The mine owner didn’t die; with Bosa stage cultivation, he had learned some survival tricks. He rode a cloud of sand, fearful yet flying back up.

The miners sighed in relief; their leader had returned. The boss could ride the wild sand, so there would definitely be a show featuring this brat, and their courage rose a little.

But unexpectedly, the mine owner descended from above, scrambling up to Li Hui in a panic, saying, “Big Brother Li, please don’t be angry. I was misled by others and had no intention of provoking you. Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, you’ll be the boss here.”

The disdain was palpable! Usually flaunting power, and at the moment of truth, he became a coward. Li Hui chuckled; this guy finally came to his senses. Fortunately, he didn’t need to kick him again.

From this mine owner, it was easy to feel how tightly the Extreme Huan Continent suppressed its civilian practitioners; even a Bosa stage practitioner could not fly normally and had to rely on flying sand. It left outsiders speechless. Moreover, someone had altered the rules of heaven and earth so that reaching Bosa stage did not require facing tribulation. At this level, they truly did not need to face tribulation, not even as competent as Concentrating Spirit stage cultivators.

A good beginning is crucial for success. For Li Hui, his reign as mine tyrant in this mine had just begun.

He had already seen through the workings of these mines; the essence was still climbing up on the backs of others. This mine owner was just an exception, and he hoped to encounter more skilled practitioners in the future, looking forward to the experience.