Asura Emperor Venerable-Chapter 140 - Startling the Snake in the Grass

Chapter 140: Chapter 140 Startling the Snake in the Grass

After revealing his identity, Shi Hao began to move around.

Due to the significant importance of Spirit Stones, a strict body search was required for anyone entering or leaving the mining area to ensure that no one smuggled Spirit Stones out. Shi Hao was no exception.

After centuries of excavation, the mining area had become riddled with holes. If one could see the entire area from underneath, it would resemble a wasp’s nest.

He walked through the mining tunnels, rubbing his hand against the wall. These tunnels had been excavated hundreds of years ago and were filled with the scent of history.

After walking for a long time, the mining marks gradually appeared newer. A bit further on, miners could be seen swinging their picks, sweating away.

Shi Hao’s presence did not disturb them in the slightest; they appeared numb, as if they had lost their souls.

...

But, these people were not deserving of sympathy.

The individuals here were serious offenders sent by the three great nations, each having committed heinous crimes.

Perhaps some were wronged, but they were definitely in the minority.

Shi Hao reached the bottom yet discovered nothing. He took another path but still found nothing.

Several groups had already come to investigate, so it was nearly impossible for any miner to have silently taken the Spirit Stones out.

—Taking one or two might be possible, but a significant amount that led the White Cloud Sect to offer a reward of one hundred Spirit Stones was an astonishing number.

Shi Hao speculated two possibilities.

First, someone could be digging from elsewhere, mining illicitly.

However, the reduction in Spirit Stones production was not due to less being excavated but due to many disappearing between excavation and transportation. Thus, if this was a case of illicit mining, there must be a hidden passage connected to another exit.

Shi Hao started looking for such hidden passages, but considering the vast size of the mining area, finding an effectively disguised entrance would be extremely difficult.

Second, someone might possess a Spatial Spirit Tool.

Having a Spatial Spirit Tool would make things easier, allowing one to carry out large quantities of Spirit Stones without fear of detection.

Which possibility could it be?

Shi Hao first searched for potential hidden passages in the mine tunnels; after the day ended, he returned to the entrance of the mining area to search the miners with the overseers.

His focus was on finding a Spatial Spirit Tool.

Unfortunately, no one possessed one.

Thus, only one possibility remained.

—There was a hidden passage in the mining area.

But as mentioned before, the tunnels were as complex as a wasp’s nest. If connected, they could stretch for hundreds or even thousands of miles; finding a hidden passage would be extremely difficult.

Moreover, even if oil lamps lit the mining tunnels, the illumination was barely enough to see by, let alone see clearly.

Importantly, the hidden passage was still just Shi Hao’s speculation. What if it did not exist?

After searching for two days, Shi Hao decided to change his approach.

He searched outside.

If there was illicit mining, there had to be an exit outside.

Shi Hao began searching again. Nameless Mountain was vast, with some areas bare and others densely wooded, making the terrain extremely complex.

“Who goes there, halt!” Shi Hao was walking when someone suddenly challenged him.

In the distance, there was a camp with the White Cloud Sect’s flag flying.

This camp was established by the White Cloud Sect to keep watch, preventing anyone from digging illicitly nearby and stealing minerals.

Clearly, Shi Hao was not the only one who thought of theft.

Such camps were not singular; patrols were deployed daily through the mountain, making illicit mining theoretically almost impossible.

Shi Hao took out his Identity Token and said, “I am a disciple of the White Cloud Sect.”

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The two guards immediately became stern, hurriedly came over, and after carefully checking the Identity Token, they became very respectful, saluted, and said, “Greetings, my lord!”

Shi Hao nodded. He put away his Identity Token and said, “I am here to investigate the theft of the Spirit Stones. Have you noticed anything unusual?”

“No!” Both of them shook their heads.

Shi Hao’s heart stirred, and he said, “I want to see your camp.”

“This—” Both men hesitated, and one immediately said, “Allow me to report to Lord Chu first.”

“Lord Chu?” Shi Hao’s eyes narrowed.

“Lord Chu Lingkong, he is the person in charge here,” the two explained.

“Alright, go ahead,” Shi Hao nodded.

One went to report, while the other stayed with Shi Hao. It was unclear whether it was to keep Shi Hao entertained or to monitor him and prevent him from roaming around.

But soon after, a middle-aged man with a slender figure and an aura of authority strode over.

“I am Chu Lingkong.” The man nodded at Shi Hao. “You want to enter the camp?”

“Indeed.”

“Why?” Chu Lingkong did not say whether he agreed or refused but instead asked, “This place is not a mining area and has nothing to do with your investigation.”

Shi Hao smiled, “Whether it is related or not, I shall decide.”

Chu Lingkong’s expression turned severe, “Are you suspecting that I am involved in embezzling?”

“If you have nothing to hide, why not let me check, right?” Shi Hao said indifferently.

“Guilt or no guilt, would you allow someone to roam around your house?” Chu Lingkong immediately retorted.

“Fine, then I’ll just go back and report that you’re obstructing my investigation,” Shi Hao said casually and then turned around.

“Wait!” Chu Lingkong changed his mind, “Since you insist on investigating, alright, come in.”

Shi Hao placed his hands behind his back and walked into the camp.

Chu Lingkong accompanied him but did not speak.

Shi Hao wandered around the camp, looking casually as if he were just taking a glance.

Eventually, they arrived in front of a large tent.

“This is the warehouse, storing all the food and water for the camp,” Chu Lingkong briefly introduced.

Shi Hao nodded, then lifted the curtain to enter.

“There’s nothing interesting to see,” Chu Lingkong intercepted him.

“A look won’t hurt,” Shi Hao insisted.

“Alright then,” Chu Lingkong withdrew his hand.

The inside was vast, but most of the space was filled, making it appear quite messy.

Shi Hao’s gaze swept over, then he walked over and began moving boxes.

One, two, three—soon, Shi Hao had shifted a third of the boxes.

“That should be enough,” Chu Lingkong extended his hand to stop him as Shi Hao wanted to continue.

Shi Hao looked at him and said, “Okay.”

He turned and walked outside.

Chu Lingkong saw him off until Shi Hao left, then he sneered coldly.

Shi Hao did not go far but hid nearby, lying on a large stone, watching as the sunset on the horizon turned into night and the moon rose surrounded by sparkling stars.

He didn’t know whether Chu Lingkong was up to something. Previously, it was a deliberate attempt to stir things up; if Chu Lingkong really was guilty, he would definitely make a move.

So, he kept watch here.

In the middle of the night, a figure quietly left the camp.

As expected!

A cold smile appeared on Shi Hao’s lips.

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